Last month I had an accident that pushed my tooth back. I want Invisalign to reposition the tooth, but my dentist says that nothing can be done. The tooth root got moved forward and poked my upper lip. I could feel it in my nostril. My dentist said he repositioned the tooth as best he could. He said that might he could do something cosmetically. But the sensation in my nostril is comfortable, and the tooth is clearly out of place. Do I really have to live with this? Will braces help?
We wish we could have seen you within a day or so of the accident. If a tooth injury is new, a dentist can move it back into place and prevent it from moving.
When a Tooth Is Pushed Out of Place
When a tooth is pushed out of place, a skilled dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) can do the following:
- Reposition the tooth
- Stabilize it until it heals
- Perform root canal treatment within a few days of the injury
- Protect the tooth with a permanent filling or a crown
But if your dentist did not reposition the tooth, orthodontics can move it back. Now you must wait until your tooth fully heals. Invisalign will reposition your front teeth relatively quickly. If you do not have existing problems with your bite, you can get Invisalign for your upper teeth only.
Root Canal Treatment for a Damaged Tooth
When a tooth is knocked out of place, the pulp (living tissue inside) is usually damaged. You will probably need root canal treatment to remove the tooth pulp. Your dentist or root canal specialist must clean root canal cement and filler from inside the tooth’s crown. Otherwise, your tooth will turn dark over time. It takes years for the tooth to darken if the crown is left clean.
Get an Invisalign Consultation
You can schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider to examine your tooth and determine when you can begin treatment. The dentist will also explain the results you can expect.
Rekha Reddy, DDS, of Dallas sponsors this post.
