The Avulsed Tooth Guide: Treatment & Management

If you don’t know what an avulsed tooth is, don’t worry, it’s not a term most people are super familiar with. Tooth avulsion happens when a tooth gets knocked out completely. This occurs a lot more often than you might think. This is certainly considered a dental emergency because you want to be able to save your tooth if at all possible. The best thing you can do is to place the tooth back in its socket and get to your dentist asap. This greatly increases the odds of saving the tooth. If the tooth can’t be saved, there are some great tooth replacement options out there, but saving your original tooth is always the goal. If you need a periodontist, we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan and offer competitive prices! Our offices are conveniently located near West Valley, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, Sandy, Draper, and Murray.

What Is An Avulsed Tooth? 

An avulsed tooth is when your tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. It’s more than just a loose tooth because it becomes fully dislodged. It’s important to understand that an avulsed tooth isn’t the same as a chipped or broken tooth since the entire tooth, including the root, is removed from the gum and bone. This can happen to both kids and adults, though it’s more common in children because of the nature of how active they are. Basically, if a tooth is out of your mouth entirely, that’s what dentists call an avulsed tooth. 

Causes 

Whenever a tooth gets knocked out, it’s usually from some kind of sudden and blunt trauma. Sports injuries are going to be one of the leading factors. The major team contact sports like football, baseball, and hockey are the biggest contributors. Car accidents or any type of high-impact collision increase the risk as well. Children riding bikes or skateboards without proper mouth protection are particularly at risk. 

How Do I Save An Avulsed Tooth?

Avulsed teeth require quick and immediate action. Follow these steps and get your tooth treated within one hour for your best chance at saving the tooth. 

1. Grab the tooth carefully by the top part, not the root, so you don’t damage it. 
2. Rinse it gently with milk or plain water to clean off any dirt. Avoid soap or scrubbing. 
3. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its empty socket, root side down, without touching the root. 
4. Keep it steady by gently biting down on a clean piece of gauze or a napkin. 
5. If the tooth won’t go back in, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva while you get help. 
6. Call your dentist right away and explain what happened so you can be seen as soon as possible. 

Symptoms 

Some symptoms of an avulsed tooth go beyond the obvious sign of seeing the tooth out of your mouth. You might also notice sharp pain in the surrounding gums or jaw where the tooth used to be. The area can feel swollen or tender, and you may have trouble opening your mouth fully or chewing on that side. Sometimes, nearby teeth feel loose or sensitive from the impact. Even minor bleeding or bruising around the gum line can signal trauma, and in some cases, you might feel a tingling or pressure in the jaw.

How To Diagnose an Avulsed Tooth 

Basically, if your tooth is missing and there’s a gap where a tooth used to be, you have an avulsed tooth. It’s as simple as that. However, if the tooth was knocked out from a fall or an extreme hit to the head, you might be tested for head injuries or a concussion. 

Avulsed Tooth Treatment 

Below is a list of the most common and effective treatment options for replacing a missing tooth. While it may be tempting to put off treatment because of inconvenience and cost, skipping a replacement altogether can cause major issues down the road. This could include causing teeth to drift, jawbone loss, and problems with chewing or speaking. Your dentist or periodontist can help you come up with the best solution for your smile and budget. 

• Dental Implants – This is often the most permanent solution. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone and topped with a crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Implants usually have a high success rate, around 95% or more. They typically last decades when taken care of properly. They tend to cost more upfront, often $3,000–$6,000 per tooth, but most people find the investment worth it because they feel and function just like a real tooth. 
• Dental Bridges – A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support, with a fake tooth or teeth in between. Bridges are less invasive than implants and generally cost less, around $1,500–$3,000 for a single tooth. They can last 10–15 years with good care. The downside is that the supporting teeth need to be slightly filed down, which some people don’t love. 

• Partial Dentures – These are removable teeth that fit into the gap left by the missing tooth. Partial dentures are usually the most affordable option, often $500–$2,000 depending on materials and complexity. They’re easy to clean and adjust, but they aren’t as stable as implants or bridges and can shift slightly while eating or talking. Still, they’re a nice option if you want a non-permanent, cost-effective solution. 

• Flipper Teeth – A flipper is a temporary, lightweight, removable tooth, often used while waiting for a permanent solution like an implant. They’re inexpensive, usually a few hundred dollars, but not meant for long-term use.
• Orthodontic or Space Maintainers – In some cases, especially for younger patients, a dentist might use a space maintainer to keep the gap open until a permanent solution is appropriate. This isn’t a cosmetic fix, but it prevents neighboring teeth from shifting.

How Periodontists Treat It 

Periodontists focus on preserving the natural tooth whenever possible, making sure it’s stabilized and supported so it can heal properly. Their expertise in gums, roots, and supporting bone gives them the best chance of restoring the tooth and preventing further complications. 

What To Do After It’s Been Fixed 

We recommend taking care of a replanted avulsed tooth in the following ways: 

• Completely avoid chewing any solid or hard foods. Stick with eating only soft foods or liquids for at least two weeks. 
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day for 2-3 weeks.
• Stay away from foods that are very hot or cold in temperature 
• Brush after each meal. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush 
• Avoid rigorous workouts for a few weeks, especially contact sports

Possible Complications 

Generally, there aren’t a lot of complications after a tooth has been replanted, but it’s always good to be aware of the following: 

• Apical periodontitis – Infection can develop at the tip of the tooth root, causing pain or swelling. 
• Ankylosis – The tooth may fuse to the jawbone, which can prevent normal movement and affect bite alignment. 
• Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) – The inside of the tooth can gradually fill in, making it hard for nerves and blood vessels to survive. This is generally painless, but it can lead to your tooth dying, which would require a root canal or pulling of that tooth. 
• Inflammatory root resorption – The body may start breaking down the root of the tooth, leading to instability or loss. 
• Gum or bone damage – The surrounding tissue may not fully recover, potentially affecting neighboring teeth. 
• Tooth discoloration – The tooth might turn darker over time due to changes in the pulp. 
• Loosening or re-avulsion – The tooth might become loose again or even get knocked out if healing doesn’t go well. 

Questions to Ask Your Periodontist 

When you meet with your periodontist, especially under emergency circumstances, it can be hard to be aware of the important questions to ask. We’ve made a list to help you cover your bases:

1. How likely is it that my tooth can be successfully replanted? 2. How long will it take for the tooth to fully stabilize in my mouth? 3. Will I need follow-up visits or X-rays to monitor healing? 4. What can I do at home to protect the tooth while it heals? 
2. If the tooth doesn’t survive, what replacement options do you recommend? 
3. How long should I avoid chewing or putting pressure on the tooth? 
4. Are there signs of infection or problems I should contact you about immediately? 
5. Will this affect my other teeth or bite in the long term? 
6. What’s the estimated cost for treatment, follow-ups, and potential replacements? 

Conclusion To Avulsed Tooth Treatment and Management 

Losing a tooth from any kind of trauma is a scary and painful thing. At that moment, it can be so hard to know what your next move should be. The key thing is acting quickly, knowing your options, and getting guidance from someone who really understands how to help. Whether the tooth can be saved or needs to be replaced, having a plan makes a big difference for your smile and oral health. If you’re missing a tooth and want an experienced, trusted periodontist in the Salt Lake City area, reach out to our team at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We’re here to help you get the care and support you need.