Broken, cracked or chipped tooth

Concussion

The periodontal ligaments are damaged without displacement or mobility of the tooth. The tooth remains stable but may be painful when tapped.

Subluxation

The tooth has abnormal mobility accompanied by bleeding from the gum. However, it has not come out of its socket.

Extrusive luxation

The tooth is partially displaced out of its socket and appears longer, without loss of tooth structure. This injury damages the gum around the socket and requires prompt repositioning to preserve the periodontal ligament.

Lateral luxation

The tooth is displaced horizontally (buccally, lingually, mesially or distally), often with an alveolar fracture. This creates asymmetry in the dental arch and may also chip the tooth if the impact has damaged the enamel.

Intrusive luxation

The tooth is driven into its socket without external mobility. This injury causes significant damage to the pulp and periodontal tissues and produces a characteristic sound when the tooth is tapped.

Avulsion

The tooth is completely displaced from its socket. The entire root is visible, while the socket appears empty and often bleeds.

Dental trauma in children requires specific care. The alveolar bone is more flexible, making intrusive luxation, in which the tooth is driven into its socket, more likely. A fractured primary tooth may be superficial or, if the fracture is deeper, may reach the pulp. An avulsed primary tooth is not replanted, in order to protect the developing permanent tooth. Dental follow-up, with X-rays if necessary, can identify any complications.

In practice, fractures and luxations may occur together. For example, a cracked tooth may be associated with lateral luxation, or a chipped tooth with subluxation. These combined dental injuries can make treatment more complex by affecting the hard, pulp and periodontal tissues at the same time.

Endodontic treatment

In the event of a deep fracture or pulp exposure, microscope-assisted root canal treatment may be necessary. This technique allows the internal canals of an injured tooth to be cleaned precisely to help prevent infection or necrosis.
Where circumstances permit, treatment designed to preserve pulp vitality may also be considered.

Fixed prostheses and implant dentistry

If the tooth cannot be retained, several replacement options can be discussed: an implant with a crown, a bridge or a removable denture. A knocked-out tooth must first be assessed as an emergency, as replantation may sometimes be possible.

If dental trauma causes bone or gum tissue loss, a bone graft or gum graft may be recommended. These procedures restore the supporting tissues needed for the stability of teeth or implants.

Cosmetic treatment after trauma

For teeth that are chipped or slightly fractured on the visible surface, a composite repair or dental veneer may be recommended depending on the condition of the tooth. Teeth whitening may be considered at the end of treatment to create a more even smile shade.