Patients & dentists
Dental trauma
Time-sensitive endodontic management of luxated, avulsed, fractured, and immature traumatised teeth.
Dental trauma is one of the few situations in dentistry where time matters. The first hours and days shape what is possible, and a calm, structured plan in the first week often decides the long-term prognosis.
I follow the IADT trauma guidelines and tailor the plan to the injury, the stage of root development, and the time elapsed. For immature teeth, regenerative endodontic options are considered when appropriate.
What happens
- Same-day or next-day assessment when possible after acute injury.
- Splinting, repositioning, and pulp-status monitoring per IADT guidance.
- Decision tree across pulp capping, apexification, regeneration, or root canal treatment.
- Shared follow-up schedule with the referring dentist.
When to consider
- Avulsion (the tooth is out of the socket), see urgent advice below.
- Luxation, intrusion, or extrusion injuries.
- Crown or crown-root fractures with pulp exposure.
- Trauma in immature, open-apex teeth.
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, the best emergency action is usually to gently rinse it, replant it into the socket, and call me or your dentist immediately. If you cannot replant, store it in milk or saliva and come in straight away.
The information here is general dental education, not a personal clinical diagnosis. Individual outcomes vary and depend on factors specific to your tooth and your overall health.
Common questions
Questions about this treatment
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Keep the tooth moist — hold it in milk, saline, or between the cheek and gum. Do not scrub the root. Contact a dentist or emergency service immediately. Time matters for replantation success.
Does every traumatic dental injury need root canal treatment?
No. Many trauma injuries resolve without intervention. We monitor closely with pulp testing and X-rays over time and only treat the nerve if signs of damage appear.