Can a Dislodged Tooth Be Saved?

From the tough layer of enamel on the outside to the deep roots below your gumline, your teeth are incredibly strong. But that doesn't mean they're invincible. 

Over 5 million teeth are knocked out, displaced, or loosened every year. If you can count your teeth among those statistics, it’s time to call in the experts. 

Dr. Robert Scott Nance specializes in saving teeth. Here, he takes a closer look at one of the most common dental injuries — dislodged teeth — and details how he can restore and repair them.

What is a dislodged tooth?

Different from an avulsed tooth, which is a tooth that’s been completely knocked out, a dislodged tooth has been forced down into its socket or pushed to the side and becomes loose or wiggly. This typically stems from a traumatic event like an injury or fall, but something as simple as biting down too hard can also displace your tooth.

In some cases, bruxism (teeth grinding) can gradually loosen the root of your tooth and dislodge it from its socket.

It can be scary and unsettling to feel one of your permanent teeth wiggling in place instead of holding firmly as it should be, but fortunately, a dislodged tooth isn’t a doomed tooth. 

Can a dislodged tooth be saved?

The simple answer is yes, but it takes more than carefully pushing your tooth back in place. It takes specialized care to save a dislodged tooth. 

Dr. Nance and our team offer a wide variety of treatments that focus on one thing only: dental emergencies. We can replant, reposition, and stabilize your dislodged tooth, restoring function and comfort. 

First, we take X-rays of your mouth to assess the extent of the damage. Then, depending on your needs, we use dental procedures and techniques that hold your tooth in place and allow it to heal. 

We also offer root canals to address any damage or decayed tissue that has developed as a result of your dislodged tooth, reducing your risk of infection. 

If your child has sustained a dental injury, we can perform apexogenesis and apexification — two procedures that seal and protect your child’s developing tooth root.

Dislodged teeth do not heal on their own. Make an appointment with Dr. Nance at the moment you suspect your tooth has become dislodged. 

How can you prevent a dislodged tooth?

There’s no guaranteed way to fully prevent dislodging your teeth, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. We recommend that all athletes (even weekend warriors) wear properly fitting mouthguards to protect their teeth from potential injury. 

Bite splints you wear at night are also a good way to avoid complications from nighttime clenching and grinding that can weaken your tooth. 

Of course, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, living a healthy lifestyle, and attending regular dental checkups are crucial to keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

If you’ve sustained a dental injury and believe your tooth is dislodged, don’t wait to make an appointment by calling either our Statesville or Hickory, North Carolina, office.