Question: What is a luxated tooth and how serious is it?
Explanation: Luxation means a tooth has been displaced within its socket but not knocked out entirely. It may be pushed sideways, forwards, backwards, up, or down. The periodontal ligament is torn and the surrounding bone is often fractured. The tooth typically feels loose, sits at an odd angle, and hurts when touched. Severity depends on the direction and degree of displacement. Treatment usually involves repositioning the tooth and splinting it to neighbouring teeth for a period of weeks. Root canal treatment is frequently needed later, since the blood supply to the pulp is often severed.
Related Questions:
Should I try to push a luxated tooth back into position myself?
No. Repositioning requires knowledge of the correct anatomical position and often local anaesthetic. Forcing a displaced tooth can worsen bone fracture and damage the root. Stabilise the area, avoid biting on it, and get to a dentist the same day.
Will a luxated tooth need a root canal?
Often, though not always. The more severe the displacement, the higher the chance the pulp’s blood supply was cut off. Dentists monitor the tooth over several months with sensibility testing and radiographs. Discolouration or a developing abscess signals that pulp necrosis has occurred.
How long does a splint stay on a luxated tooth?
Typically two to four weeks for most luxation injuries, extended to four to eight weeks if there is an associated alveolar bone fracture. Splints are deliberately flexible. Rigid immobilisation increases the risk of the root fusing to bone.
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