Dentoalveolar injuries affect the teeth and the bone that holds them. The ridge of bone around the teeth is the alveolus. These injuries are very common. They happen most in children and in sport.
Common types
- A tooth is knocked out. Doctors call this avulsion.
- A tooth becomes loose, or it moves out of line.
- A tooth cracks or breaks.
- A part of the bony ridge breaks, with several teeth in it.
Why time matters
For an adult tooth that is knocked out, minutes are important. Keep the tooth moist in milk or in saliva. Do not use water. Then get urgent dental care. This gives the best chance to save the tooth. The dentist eases a loose or moved tooth back into place. A splint often holds it to the teeth next to it while it heals.