Tooth Luxation

There are a few types of tooth luxation, and how we treat it depends on what’s happened to your tooth.

Subluxation tooth – a tooth that is a bit wobbly 

This happens when your tooth is still in place, but it’s loose. Maybe you’ve noticed some bleeding at the gum line or it hurts when you bite down. It’s usually sore but still hanging in there.

We’ll check it out, take a scan if needed, and might pop on a flexible splint to hold it steady while it heals. Most people recover just fine from this without any major intervention. 

Look out for:

• A tooth that wiggles but hasn’t moved
• Soreness when eating or touching it
• Slight bleeding around the gum

Lateral luxation of tooth – a tooth that has been pushed to the side

If your tooth looks like it’s shifted sideways or feels ‘stuck’ in a strange position, you’re likely dealing with a lateral luxation. The tooth’s been shoved into the socket wall, and it usually doesn’t want to budge.

We’ll gently move it back into place (don’t worry, we numb the area first), then secure it with a splint. The sooner we see you, the better the outcome and more likely the tooth can be saved. 

You might notice:

• A tooth pointing the wrong way
• Swelling or bruising
• It feels jammed or locked in position

Extrusive luxation of tooth – a tooth that is half out, half in

With extrusive luxation, your tooth has been partially pulled out of the socket, so it might look longer than your other teeth or feel super sensitive.

We’ll reposition it, splint it, and keep an eye on the nerve inside, but sometimes we’ll need to do a root canal later on. There’s no need to panic if this is the case, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Signs of extrusive tooth luxation include: 

• A tooth that looks like it’s sticking out
• Bleeding or swelling at the gum
• Pain when touching or moving it

Intrusive luxation of tooth – a tooth that’s pushed up into the gum

This is one of the more serious types of tooth luxation; intrusive luxation of tooth means it’s been pushed upwards into the bone. It sounds nasty (and it kind of is), but we’ve got the tools and experience to handle it.

This one always needs a proper examination and a treatment plan – it could be repositioning, orthodontic help, or maybe root treatment. 

You’ll notice:

• A tooth that looks shorter or sunken
• Pain or swelling
• Bleeding around the area