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Warning-sign checks

Broken or knocked out tooth: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or new neurological symptoms such as confusion, fainting, or repeated vomiting.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the dentist promptly if pain or swelling is getting worse, the tooth becomes darker, a gum bump develops, pus or a bad taste appears, fever occurs, or the tooth or splint becomes increasingly loose.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up timing varies with the injury.

    Deep fractures, displaced teeth, root fractures, and replanted teeth usually require repeated checks.

The article also says

Keep all recommended dental visits even if pain and swelling improve.

At these visits, the dentist may assess color, pain, mobility, bite, gum health, root development, and pulp response.

Repeat X-rays may be needed to look for infection, resorption, changes in the supporting bone, or healing around the root.

Follow instructions for brushing, eating, mouth rinses, splint care, and physical activity.

The injured area generally needs careful cleaning because plaque around a splint or sore gum can interfere with healing.

Avoid using the injured tooth to bite hard foods until the dentist says it is safe.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Broken or knocked out tooth. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.