What to Expect After a Tooth Injury
Tooth trauma occurs in about 50% of children during childhood. Most injuries have little lasting effect, but the risk of complications increases with the severity of the injury. This guide explains what to expect and what to monitor.
What Does the Diagnosis Mean?
- Concussion — Bruise-like injury to supporting structures and nerve.
- Subluxation — Sprain-like injury to supporting tooth structures, causing looseness.
- Luxation — Tooth displacement through bone, lodging in an abnormal position, with severe damage to supporting structures.
- Avulsion — Complete dislodgement of a tooth from its socket.
- Fracture — Break in the hard part of the tooth; categorized by location and affected tissues.
Non-Harmful Changes (Weeks – Months)
- Color changes in baby teeth — from light yellow to dark gray/brown; may persist without issues.
- Temporary discomfort, looseness, or swelling.
Harmful Complications (Months – Years)
- Abscess — Pimple or boil above the injured tooth.
- Ongoing or worsening discomfort, looseness, or swelling.
Long-Term Harmful Complications (Months – Decades)
- Tooth Damage / Enamel Hypoplasia — Severe baby tooth injury (especially before age 3) can damage the permanent tooth underneath, causing missing enamel, texture changes, or color changes.
- Nerve damage — Injury to a permanent tooth may cut off nerve and blood supply, requiring a root canal to prevent infection and discoloration.
- Abnormal position / Root damage / Ankylosis — Damage to supporting structures and root surface may cause:
- Resorption — Breakdown of tooth connections requiring treatment.
- Ankylosis — Fusion of tooth to bone, preventing movement. May cause:
- Tooth to appear submerged compared to neighbors.
- Orthodontic challenges (won’t move with braces).