Dental trauma

If there is no visible damage, the next step is to exclude the possibility of any hidden damage, such as a fracture in the supporting bone (alveolar bone) or in the root of the tooth. This is done through a clinical examination or radiography, and is followed by regular checkups in the following months to rule out any delayed-onset complications, such as a dead nerve or the appearance of internal root resorption.

One part of your tooth is chipped or broken: in this case it is important to bring the piece of tooth that has broken off as it can be reattached. If the fracture is more severe or the broken fragment is not available, this tooth can be repaired with a filling or a crown.
A fracture of the mandibular or maxillary bones: this needs an appointment with a maxillofacial surgeon.

A discoloured tooth: the trauma has provoked a haemorrhage within the dental pulp (pink colour) or has caused the nerve to die (grey colour).  In this case, the damaged nerve (root canal) needs to be removed.

Your tooth has been displaced from its natural position: the tooth can be repositioned in its place manually in the hours immediately following a trauma. If too much time passes, the repositioning will require the use of orthodontic braces. Very frequently the nerve of the tooth will suffer irreversible damage and will require root canal treatment.

Your tooth has been knocked out (avulsed): the tooth may be reinserted if it has been maintained in ideal conditions: it must be preserved in the saliva (in the mouth) of the trauma sufferer, in milk, or in saline solution, and should be brought to the dentist within one hour for it to be reinserted with a reasonable probability of long-term durability. The use of a moulded mouth guard during sporting activity may prevent dental trauma.

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