Traumatic Dental Injuries in Greensboro

Dislodged Teeth

Traumatic injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into or partially out of their sockets. In these cases, Drs. Baird, Horwitz, Morrow, Schweizer, Grine, or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize the tooth.

When a tooth is pushed back into its socket, root canal treatment is often initiated within a few weeks. A medication such as calcium hydroxide is placed inside the tooth to begin the healing process, followed later by a permanent root canal filling.

If a tooth is partially dislodged but not fully knocked out, repositioning and stabilization are also required. If the pulp (nerve tissue) remains healthy, no further treatment may be needed. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, a root canal will be necessary to prevent complications such as:

• Tooth or gum infection

• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene

• Potential tooth loss

Prompt dental care is essential to avoid long-term issues.

Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth

If a tooth is completely knocked out, immediate treatment is critical. Keep the tooth moist—ideally by placing it back into the socket, or storing it in milk or water with a pinch of salt. The chances of saving the tooth increase the sooner it is reinserted or professionally treated.

Depending on how long the tooth was out of the mouth and how it was stored, Drs. Baird, Horwitz, Morrow, Schweizer, or Grine may recommend root canal treatment, especially based on the stage of root development.

Tooth Injuries in Children

Children with immature teeth may require special procedures to support tooth development and healing after trauma:

Apexogenesis

This treatment allows the root to continue developing while the pulp heals. Medication is placed over the soft tissue to encourage root growth and closure at the tip (apex). As the child grows, the root walls thicken, improving the tooth’s long-term viability. If healing is successful, no further treatment is needed.

Apexification

If the pulp is irreversibly damaged, it is removed and medication is placed to form a hard tissue barrier at the root tip. This barrier allows for a proper root canal filling. However, since the root walls stop developing, the tooth may be more prone to fractures. A proper restorative treatment by your dentist is important to protect the tooth.

Emergency Dental Care in Greensboro

If you or your child experiences a traumatic dental injury, don’t delay treatment. Our experienced team is here to help you preserve your smile and avoid long-term complications.