Tooth Displacement
In this section, we will cover:
- What is a displacement injury?
- What are the different types?
- Will I need treatment?
What is a displacement injury?
This is where there has been damage to the structures holding the tooth in place but the tooth is still in once piece. The tooth will often be tender and may be displaced (not in its original position).
What are the different types?
There are many different types of displacement injuries based on how the tooth has moved (up, down, forwards, backwards) and how wobbly it is. Each injury is briefly described below and you can find out more by clicking on the links below or heading to the dental trauma homepage:
- Concussion:
The tooth is still in its original position and is not wobbly but may be tender to touch/bite on for a few days.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth - Subluxation:
The tooth is in its original position but slightly more wobbly than normal. There may be bleeding around the gum.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth - Lateral luxation:
The tooth has moved forwards or backwards from its original position. This injury is often associated with a bony fracture in which the root is "trapped" so the tooth may not be wobbly. There may be bleeding around the gum.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth - Intrusion:
The tooth has been pushed further into the socket and looks shorter than before. It is not wobbly but there may be bleeding around the gum.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth - Extrusion:
The tooth has dropped further out of the socket and looks longer than before. It is more wobbly than normal and there may be bleeding around the gum.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth - Avulsion:
The tooth has completely fallen out of its socket. There will be bleeding from the gum.
Find out more: baby teeth and adult teeth
Will I need treatment?
Not all injured teeth need treatment. You or your child will need treatment if:
- the tooth is causing pain or discomfort
- the tooth is interfering with the bite
- the tooth is extremely displaced or avulsed (completely fallen out of the mouth)
- the tooth has become infected, or is likely to become infected without further treatment
The aims of treatment are:
- Relieve any pain or discomfort
- Prevent damage to the underlying adult tooth (more relevant to baby teeth)
- Maintain the tooth for as long as possible (more relevant to adult teeth)
The treatment which can be offered depends on your/your child's level of anxiety and co-operation with dental examination and treatment.
Often no treatment is a good option for young children who aren't ready to tolerate any treatment. You and your dentist can monitor the tooth for any signs of problems (see unfavourable outcomes) and manage them when they arise. This prevents any unnecessary anxiety for you and your child.