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Broken or knocked out tooth - Overview

Alternative Names

Teeth - broken; Tooth - knocked out

Definition of Broken or knocked out tooth:

The dentist's term for a knocked out tooth is "avulsed."

Considerations:

A permanent tooth that is knocked out can sometimes be reimplanted. In most cases, only permanent, adult teeth are reimplanted into the mouth. Baby teeth are usually left out.

Immediately contact your dentist when a tooth is broken or knocked out. If you can find the tooth after the accident or injury, bring it with you when you seek medical help.

Causes:

Tooth accidents are commonly caused by:

Accidental falls
Sports-related trauma
Fighting
Car accidents
Biting on hard food

Tooth anatomy

Fractured tooth

Tooth anatomy

Reviewed last on: 5/28/2008
Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

References

Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

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