ARE TEETH DOOMED IF THEY ARE DISPLACED IN THE SOCKET?

Variations of this question are common and the quick answer is no, but teeth that are injured in this way require dental follow up. The second answer is that if a tooth is knocked completely loose it is a different story. The more unstable or loose in its socket, the poorer the prognosis and greater the need for immediate care. (JADA 2019:150(8):649-655)  Another best answer is that, if this happens to you or a family member, get into your dentist on an urgent basis and have the situation evaluated right away. Time in these cases is critical. The existence of cone beam imaging by most endodontists and oral surgeons can also be helpful in determining the long term prognosis for a tooth that has been significantly injured or displaced. Often it is early stabilization of the tooth and early root canal therapy that will be the determining factor as to whether such a tooth will survive in the long run.

Often, injured teeth are in the cosmetic zone (front teeth) which also increases the importance of early evaluation and treatment. Again, the extent of injury is very important and what you do in the early stages of such an injury can make all of the difference.