Front Tooth Treatment After Trauma: First Aid for Broken and Displaced Teeth with DijiDent in Türkiye

Falls, sports accidents and impacts affect the front teeth most. What is done in the first minutes after such trauma can significantly determine the chance of the tooth being preserved. Time is of critical importance, especially for teeth that have come out completely. Being informed about front tooth treatment after trauma allows you to stay calm and take the right steps at an unexpected moment. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we clearly explain first aid and the treatment process in dental trauma to our patients and to parents in Türkiye.

First Step: Assess the General Condition

Dental trauma often occurs together with a blow to the face or head. If there is loss of consciousness, dizziness, vomiting, severe headache, uncontrollable bleeding or suspicion of a jaw fracture, the priority is general health; in this case, the emergency department should be consulted immediately. If the general condition is good, the steps for dental trauma follow.

A Completely Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This situation is one of the true emergencies in dentistry. The success of replanting the tooth depends on preserving the living cells on the surface of the root and on how long the tooth stays outside the mouth.

• Hold the tooth by the crown: Do not touch the root.
• If it is dirty, rinse it briefly: Hold it for a few seconds under cold running water or milk; do not brush, wipe or use soap.
• Put it back in place if possible: Gently place it into its socket in the right direction and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth or tissue.
• If you cannot put it back, store it: Store the tooth in milk, saline or the person’s own saliva; do not leave it dry and do not keep it in water.
• Do not lose time: See a dentist as soon as possible, preferably within the first hour.

When baby teeth are knocked out, however, they are usually not put back in place; because this procedure can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Still, the child needs to be evaluated by a dentist.

A Broken Front Tooth

Enamel or Enamel-Dentin Fractures

In small fractures, if the broken fragment can be found, it should be kept moist (in water or milk) and brought to the clinic. In suitable cases, the fragment can be reattached to the tooth or the fractured area can be restored with a composite filling. In fractures in which the dentin is exposed, sensitivity may be seen; covering the area in a short time helps protect the pulp.

Fractures in Which the Pulp Is Exposed

If a pinkish-red spot or bleeding is seen on the fracture line, the pulp may have been exposed. In this case, early intervention is of great importance. Especially in young patients, pulp-preserving treatments can be considered; in more advanced situations, root canal treatment may be needed.

Root Fractures

Root fractures are not visible to the eye and can only be detected by radiographic examination. Depending on the location of the fracture, the tooth may be stabilized and monitored, or different treatments may be planned.

A Displaced or Intruded Tooth

An impact can push a tooth forward, backward or sideways, or embed it into the bone. In these situations, it is recommended that you do not try to push the tooth back yourself. The dentist places the tooth in the appropriate position and, if necessary, temporarily stabilizes it to the neighboring teeth (splint). In intruded teeth, depending on the age of the tooth and its root development, it may be expected to erupt on its own or it may be planned to bring it into place with orthodontic or surgical methods.

Why Is Follow-Up Important After Trauma?

In a tooth that has undergone trauma, problems sometimes appear not immediately but weeks, months or even years later. The pulp may lose its vitality, and discoloration of the tooth, infection at the root tip or resorption on the root surface may be seen. For this reason, clinical and radiographic check-ups are done at certain intervals after trauma. The absence of pain does not mean that the tooth is healthy.

At check-up appointments, the tooth’s response to vitality tests, discoloration and the radiographic appearance at the root tip are evaluated together.

Features of Dental Trauma in Children

In children, young permanent teeth whose root development is not complete have a higher healing potential after trauma; however, in these teeth, preserving the pulp is particularly important for root development to be able to continue. In baby tooth trauma, protecting the developing permanent tooth underneath is prioritized when planning treatment. Parents are advised not to delay a check-up if they notice discoloration of the child’s tooth, swelling of the gum or a pimple-like bump after trauma. People working in settings such as schools, sports clubs and nurseries knowing the basic first aid steps can also increase the chance of the tooth being preserved.

Prevention

Using a mouthguard in activities such as contact sports, cycling, skating and skateboarding can reduce the risk of dental trauma. Custom-made mouthguards can provide better fit and comfort than ready-made models. In children with noticeably protruding front teeth, an orthodontic evaluation can also contribute to reducing the risk of trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. In case of loss of consciousness, vomiting, severe headache or suspected jaw fracture, the emergency department should be consulted.