Sharp Tooth Edge

Trauma to a permanent tooth can produce fracture patterns that need dental assessment. The visible part of an injury may not show the full pattern in the tooth and nearby tissues.

Avoid testing, picking at, or trying to smooth the tooth yourself. Keep the area clean and arrange dental advice after trauma. Seek urgent dental care when the injury needs prompt assessment.

A clinician examines the injured tooth and surrounding tissues to identify the fracture pattern. The history of the injury and the examination guide the assessment and any further care.

Care depends on the fracture pattern found at assessment. The clinician selects treatment for the injured tooth after examining the injury and its effects.

Preventing further injury includes protecting the tooth from another impact and following the care advice given after assessment. A clinician can explain prevention steps that fit the injury pattern.

Pain, sensitivity, a changed tooth shape, or soft-tissue irritation may occur after a tooth injury. Record how the injury happened and whether biting, temperature, or touch changes the symptom.

Arrange dental assessment after a tooth injury. Prompt advice is appropriate when pain, swelling, bleeding, or the injury itself needs urgent dental care.