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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Trauma Treatment in Selkirk
A fall, collision or sports hit can loosen, push or break teeth. Selkirk residents can learn what to do first and how follow-up works in Port Dover.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsAfter an impact to the mouth
Injured teeth often need prompt care and later monitoring.
Dental trauma covers a range of injuries: chipped or fractured teeth, teeth pushed out of position, loosened teeth, teeth knocked out entirely and cuts to the lips, gums or tongue. The type of injury and how quickly it is assessed can strongly influence the outcome, particularly when a tooth has been displaced or knocked out.
Accidents happen at home, on the water, at the rink or on country roads. If someone in Selkirk injures their teeth, call our Port Dover office as soon as any medical emergency has been ruled out. The team can discuss what happened, what to do on the way and how soon an assessment is advisable.
Immediately after
Safety comes before the teeth.
Check for wider injuries
First, check whether there is a head injury, loss of consciousness, confusion, neck pain, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing. These need emergency medical care before any dental visit. Once you are confident there is no serious medical emergency, look at the mouth, gently rinse away blood with water and identify which teeth are affected.
Protect the teeth and tissues
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to bleeding gums or lips. A cold compress on the outside of the face can help with swelling. Collect any tooth fragments. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, handle it by the crown only and follow knocked-out tooth guidance. Do not try to reposition a baby tooth.
Types of injury
Each injury type is managed differently.
Fractures and chips
Chips may only affect enamel, while deeper fractures can reach the dentin or the nerve. A visible pink spot or bleeding from the tooth itself suggests the nerve is exposed and should be seen promptly. Cracks may extend into the root and are not always visible. The dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess the damage.
Loosened, displaced or knocked-out teeth
A tooth may be loosened, pushed into the gum, pulled partly out or knocked out completely. Displaced teeth often need repositioning and stabilizing with a splint. Knocked-out permanent teeth have the best chance when replanted quickly. Baby teeth that are knocked out are not replanted, but the child should still be examined.
Assessment and care
The dentist assesses teeth, roots and bone.
Examination and imaging
The dentist will ask how the injury happened, examine the teeth and soft tissues, check mobility and bite, and take X-rays. Neighbouring teeth that seem fine may also be affected. Photographs may be taken to record the injury. Bring details of the incident and any tooth fragments or the knocked-out tooth stored as advised.
Treatment decisions
Treatment might include smoothing or bonding a chip, protecting an exposed nerve, repositioning and splinting a displaced tooth, suturing a cut or starting root canal treatment. Some injuries need several visits. The dentist will explain what was done, what to watch for and what further treatment may be needed.
Follow-up
Injured teeth can change weeks or months later.
Watching for changes
After trauma, the nerve of a tooth may become damaged gradually. Signs include darkening of the tooth, increasing sensitivity, pain, swelling or a pimple on the gum. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled over months to check the tooth’s vitality and root. Attend these visits even if the tooth seems fine, and report any changes promptly.
Preventing future injuries
If the injury happened during sport, ask about a custom mouthguard. For children, review safety around playground equipment, bikes and trampolines. Avoid using teeth to open packages or crack hard items. Prevention cannot remove all risk, but it can reduce the chance and severity of future dental injuries.
Planning your appointment
After a dental injury in Selkirk.
Once medical emergencies are ruled out, call our Port Dover office and describe what happened, which teeth are affected and any symptoms. The team will advise on timing based on urgency and availability.
Bring any fragments or the knocked-out tooth stored as advised, and note the time the injury happened, as this can matter for treatment.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Dental injury questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
What should I do if a tooth is pushed out of place?
Do not force it back. Call the dental office promptly for advice. Displaced teeth often need professional repositioning and a splint. Seek emergency medical care first if there is a head injury or heavy bleeding.
My tooth looks fine after a fall. Should it be checked?
Yes. Damage to the root, nerve or supporting bone may not be visible right away. An examination and X-rays help identify hidden injuries, and follow-up visits can catch changes that develop later.
Why might an injured tooth turn grey?
Darkening can indicate that the nerve has been damaged or is changing after trauma. It does not always mean the tooth will be lost, but it should be assessed. Contact the office if you notice discolouration.
Do injured baby teeth need treatment?
They should be examined, because injuries can affect the developing adult tooth beneath. Knocked-out baby teeth are not replanted. The dentist will advise on care and follow-up based on the injury.
Can a mouthguard prevent dental injuries?
A well-fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk and severity of injuries during sport, though it cannot prevent all trauma. Ask the dentist about custom options for activities with a risk of contact or falls.
Care for specific injuries
Dental Emergencies →Knocked-Out Tooth Treatment →
A knocked-out adult tooth needs fast, careful handling. Selkirk patients can learn how to store the tooth and why to call our Port Dover office right away.
Broken or Chipped Tooth Repair →
Chipped a tooth on something hard? Learn how Selkirk patients can protect the tooth, describe the damage and arrange assessment at our Port Dover office.