Common types of dental trauma include a tooth knocked out by an accident, a crack caused by biting down too hard, and even a chip caused by grinding your teeth. If you’ve experienced a form of dental trauma, you might wonder if intervention by a dentist or endodontist is necessary, especially if you’re not feeling any pain. While some minor injuries may seem manageable at home, healing dental trauma often requires professional attention.
At Access Endodontics, our experienced endodontists understand the complexities of dental trauma and the treatments that can restore your oral health. Our team, led by Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman, can help answer your questions, including whether dental trauma can heal on its own, and provide personalized care for even the most complex traumatic injuries.
Can a damaged tooth heal itself?
In rare cases, the body can repair very tiny cracks in teeth, but significant damage won’t heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth do not regenerate. Healing dental trauma generally requires professional dental intervention to restore structure and function. Waiting to see if a tooth gets better on its own can lead to more costly treatment—or tooth loss—down the line.
Dental trauma at a glance: Common dental injuries
There are several types of dental trauma that vary in severity:
Fractured teeth
A tooth or part of it may break due to a sudden impact or pressure. Fractures can range from small chips to deep cracks that expose the tooth’s inner pulp. These injuries may not always be painful at first, but they often worsen without treatment.
Dislocated teeth
When a tooth is pushed out of its natural alignment—sideways, backward, or forward—it is considered dislocated. This type of trauma may affect the supporting tissues and should be addressed immediately to prevent permanent damage.
Avulsed teeth
A tooth that has been completely knocked out of the mouth due to trauma is known as an avulsed tooth. If treated within 30–60 minutes, it may be possible to save and re-implant the tooth. Keeping it moist—in milk or a tooth preservation solution—is critical until you can get to a dentist.
Concussion and subluxation
These injuries occur when a tooth is bumped or loosened without being displaced or fractured. A concussion may cause tenderness without movement, while subluxation results in some mobility but no displacement. Healing dental trauma of this kind may still require monitoring and follow-up care.
Intrusive and extrusive luxation
Intrusion happens when a tooth is pushed deeper into the socket, and extrusion refers to a tooth being partially pulled out. Both injuries are serious and typically require repositioning and stabilization to ensure proper healing.
Proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for managing dental trauma effectively and minimizing long-term complications. Always consult a dental professional to determine the best course of action for recovery and care.
Healing dental trauma
In general, healing dental trauma on your own is not recommended. Most injuries, even those that seem minor, carry a risk of infection or further damage if not properly treated. That said, here’s what you should know:
- Minor chips or surface cracks may not require urgent care, but should still be evaluated.
- Cracked or displaced teeth need to be stabilized and sometimes restored with crowns or root canal treatment.
- Knocked-out teeth require emergency attention. The sooner you get help, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
Some injuries might not hurt at first, but symptoms can develop over time. For example, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or discoloration are signs that the tooth isn’t healing properly. Healing dental trauma correctly often requires both immediate and follow-up care to prevent long-term complications.
How do you treat dental pain?
Dental pain caused by trauma can often be managed initially with cold compresses and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. However, these are only temporary fixes. Long-term relief usually depends on treating the root cause. This could involve:
- Smoothing a chipped tooth
- Sealing cracks
- Performing root canal therapy
- Replacing a severely damaged tooth
Only a dental professional can assess the injury and determine the appropriate course of action. Remember, healing dental trauma means addressing not just the pain, but the source.
How long does it take to recover from dental trauma?
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the trauma. Minor chips may require little to no healing time beyond restoration. Root canal-treated teeth can take a few weeks to fully stabilize. More complex injuries, like avulsions or luxations, may take months to monitor and heal properly. Healing dental trauma is a process that can be sped up with professional care and good oral hygiene.
Do you need dental trauma treatment?
If you’ve experienced any dental trauma, it’s safest to assume that evaluation is necessary. Healing dental trauma without intervention may leave you vulnerable to complications like:
- Nerve damage
- Gum infections
- Root resorption
- Tooth loss
- Bone deterioration
Endodontists specialize in saving teeth and treating internal tooth injuries. Treatment may involve bonding, crowns, root canals, or, in some cases, extraction and replacement. The good news is that many traumatic injuries can be successfully treated if caught early.
If you’re unsure whether your injury is serious, it’s better to be cautious. A quick exam can confirm whether treatment is needed and prevent further issues. Don’t wait for pain to show up—it often signals that the damage has worsened.
Red flags that warrant immediate care
You should contact a dental professional right away if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes
- A tooth that feels loose or out of place
- Persistent pain or throbbing
- A change in tooth color
- Swelling or pus around the gums
Even if your injury seems small, getting an expert opinion can help you avoid bigger problems down the line. When in doubt, get it checked.
Can dental injuries affect other teeth or areas of the mouth?
Yes. Trauma to one tooth can sometimes cause referred pain, sensitivity, or damage to neighboring teeth, nerves, or gums. It can also affect jaw alignment or bite function. A comprehensive dental exam ensures that all affected areas are identified and addressed.
How can you prevent dental trauma?
While not all dental injuries are avoidable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
- Practice safe driving and always wear seatbelts
- Maintain regular dental checkups to catch early signs of weakening enamel or grinding
By taking these preventive measures and staying proactive about your oral health, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental trauma.
Don’t wait for it to get worse — Contact Access Endodontics today
Dental trauma doesn’t always come with pain, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. When it comes to healing dental trauma, timely treatment makes all the difference. If you’ve suffered a dental injury or even suspect you have, our expert team is here to help.
Reach out to Access Endodontics online or call 410.304.7226 today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your injury and guide you through the next steps toward full recovery. Learn more about how we treat traumatic injuries to preserve your smile and health.