If you receive a hard knock to the mouth, it's possible that one of your teeth may be knocked out entirely. This is known properly as an avulsed tooth, but it isn't the only kind of injury that can occur. You may also suffer from an extruded tooth as a result of trauma. This refers to a tooth that has been knocked out of its usual position. Sometimes an extruded tooth will just be hanging by a few threads of remaining tissue, in which case you probably won't hesitate to see an emergency dentist.
However, if the teeth merely feel as if it has been knocked out of place, you might be tempted not to see out emergency dental care. Here are just four problems that can arise if you fail to see a dental professional.
1. Damage to the Underlying Structure
If you look at your tooth in the mirror, the surface might not seem to have sustained any damage. However, an extruded tooth is likely to have caused damage just below the gum line. Any trauma and movement can cause the root of the tooth to die, in which case the whole tooth will start to turn a dingy brown colour. You may also find that damage has been caused along the alveolar bone as a consequence of the tooth being moved so suddenly.
2. Expose of Unprotected Tooth Surface
One of the most visible signs of an extruded tooth is a noticeable line that shows where the tooth previously met the gum line. If it is moved out of position, there will be a cresent just next to the gum that is whiter than the rest of the tooth, similar to the tan lines you get while wearing a swimsuit in the sun. That whiter surface won't have built up any protection against plaque and bacteria, so decay becomes more likely.
3. Exposure of the Gum Line
As well as exposing new parts of the tooth's surface, movement is likely to create a gap between the gum line and the tooth, and that pocket can be invested with bacteria. When bacteria is allowed to work its way beneath the gum line, you put yourself at risk of significant oral health problems.
4. Loss of the Tooth
Ultimately, an extruded tooth is almost certainly going to fall out eventually if you do not see a dental professional, and soon is better. A dentist will reposition and stabilize the tooth in question using an oral splint, and you may even require root canal work in order to reverse any damage. This might sound unpleasant, but it's better than waiting for more serious issues to arise.
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