Dental Trauma & Emergency Care

A chipped, fractured, loosened or completely knocked-out tooth needs prompt attention. For a knocked-out permanent tooth in particular, acting within the first hour dramatically improves the chance of saving it.

What to do immediately

Handle a knocked-out tooth by the crown only — never the root. Keep it moist in milk or the patient’s own saliva; do not scrub it or store it in plain water. For chips, fractures or bleeding, rinse gently with water and apply light pressure with clean gauze on the way to the clinic. Bring any broken fragments with you.

Call ahead

Phone the clinic directly on your way in so the team is ready to treat you the moment you arrive.

You may need this if

A tooth knocked out, loosened or pushed out of position
A chipped or fractured tooth, especially with a pink dot visible
A tooth that darkens weeks after an injury
Any facial injury involving the teeth or jaw

Not sure whether this applies to you? Call and describe the problem — we will tell you honestly.

What treatment involves

1

Immediate assessment

The tooth, socket and surrounding bone are examined, with an X-ray to check for root fracture or displacement.

2

Repositioning or replanting

A displaced or knocked-out tooth is repositioned and splinted to the neighbouring teeth to stabilise it while the ligament heals.

3

Restoring the tooth

Chips and fractures are rebuilt in tooth-coloured composite, matched to the surrounding teeth.

4

Monitoring

Traumatised teeth are reviewed over months, because the nerve can die later and need a root canal.

Why it is worth doing

Seen urgently Trauma cases are prioritised over routine appointments.

Best chance of saving the tooth Acting within the first hour dramatically improves the outcome.

Natural-looking repair Chips and fractures rebuilt to match your surrounding teeth.

Clear aftercare Follow-up scheduled to confirm the tooth stays healthy.

Aftercare

Soft diet and no biting on the injured tooth while it is splinted
Keep the area clean with a soft brush and antiseptic rinse
Return immediately if the tooth darkens or becomes tender

Questions