Traumatic Dental Injuries in Cambridge, Somerville, & Boston, MA

Accidents happen, and when they involve your teeth, fast action matters. Whether it’s an avulsed (knocked-out), displaced, or chipped tooth, we’re here to help. At APX Endodontics, we provide prompt, expert care for traumatic dental injuries, combining advanced technology with a calm, compassionate approach.

If you’ve experienced a dental injury, call us at right away. Time is critical, and we’re ready to help.
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What Are Traumatic Dental Injuries?

Traumatic dental injuries involve damage to your teeth, gums, and/or surrounding bone due to sudden impact. Whether it’s from a fall on the ice, a collision during a game, or an unexpected accident, these injuries can range from minor chips to complete tooth loss, and often happen when you least expect them. The good news? Many traumatic injuries can be successfully treated if you act quickly. At APX Endodontics, we specialize in managing these urgent situations with the expertise and care they require.

• Avulsions (Knocked Out Teeth)

An avulsed tooth has been completely knocked out of your mouth. This is a dental emergency where time is critical, but with fast action the tooth can often be saved. Here's what to do for permanent (adult) teeth: pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you see when you smile). If it's dirty, gently rinse it with Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) or milk, then place it back in the socket if possible. If that's not feasible, keep it moist by storing it in HBSS, milk, or even your own saliva. Call us immediately at 617-789-0777. We'll guide you through the next steps and get you in right away.

• Luxations (Dislodged Teeth)

Luxation injuries happen when a tooth is displaced from its normal position but hasn't been completely knocked out. The tooth might be pushed sideways, tilted, or driven deeper into the socket. As endodontic specialists, we can often reposition and stabilize the tooth, giving it the best chance to heal and return to full function. Luxations can affect the tooth's nerve and blood supply, making prompt evaluation and treatment critical.

• Traumatic Injuries in Children

Kids are naturally active and curious. Unfortunately, sometimes that means accidents happen. Whether it's a playground fall or a sports mishap, an injury to a child's tooth requires specialized care. We understand that these situations can be stressful for both the child and the parent. Our team provides gentle, patient-centered treatment for children, focusing on making them feel comfortable while delivering the expert clinical care needed to protect their developing smiles. For children who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to ease anxiety during treatment.

Why Choose APX Endodontics for Traumatic Dental Injuries?

When dealing with a dental injury, you need a team you can trust to provide immediate, expert care. At APX Endodontics, we specialize in saving teeth, which means we’re uniquely equipped to handle these urgent situations with the skill and speed they require.

As endodontic specialists, Dr. Ptak and our team have advanced training and experience in treating complex dental injuries, giving you specialized care when you need it most. We utilize state-of-the-art technology including CBCT scans and ZEISS microscopes for precise diagnosis and treatment, allowing us to visualize the full extent of the injury and perform delicate procedures with exceptional care and accuracy.

We also know that dental emergencies are stressful. Our team creates a calm, supportive environment where you’ll feel understood and confident in your care. From the moment you call, we’re here to help.

To learn more, call us at or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Dental Injuries

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Time is everything with a knocked out (avulsed) tooth. For adult (permanent) teeth: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you see when you smile), not the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it with Hank's Balanced Salt Solution or milk. Place it back in the socket if possible. If you can't, keep it moist by storing it in milk, saline, or your own saliva. Call us immediately at .

How long do I have to treat a knocked out tooth?

The sooner, the better. Ideally, we want to replant the tooth within 60 minutes of the injury. The cells on the root surface that help reattachment begin to die quickly when the tooth is out of the mouth. Keeping the tooth moist and getting to us fast dramatically improves the chances of successful replantation.

What if my tooth is loose but not completely knocked out?

This is called a luxation injury, and it requires prompt attention. Don't try to move or wiggle the tooth yourself. Call us immediately. We can assess the injury and determine the best way to reposition and stabilize the tooth to help it heal properly.

Can a chipped or fractured tooth be saved?

Many times, yes! The treatment and prognosis depend on the location and severity of the fracture. Minor chips can often be smoothed out or restored by your general dentist. More significant fractures may require endodontic treatment like a root canal to save the tooth before it's restored. If you've chipped or fractured a tooth, contact us so we can evaluate it and help recommend the best course of action.

What if a piece of my tooth totally breaks off?

If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you. Keep it moist in milk, HBSS, or saline. In some cases, we may be able to reattach the piece. Even if we can't reattach it, it helps us assess the extent of the damage. Call us right away so we can evaluate the tooth and determine the best treatment approach.

Will my tooth need a root canal after trauma?

It depends on the extent of damage to the tooth's nerve and blood supply. Many traumatic injuries damage the pulp (the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth), which may require root canal treatment either immediately or in the future. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal will be necessary to save the tooth. We'll monitor the tooth closely and use advanced diagnostics to determine if treatment is needed.

What happens if I wait too long to seek treatment?

Delaying treatment significantly reduces the chances of saving your tooth. The longer you wait, the more likely complications like infection, root resorption, or complete tooth loss become. Even if you're not in pain, damage may be progressing beneath the surface. When in doubt, call us.

What should I avoid doing after a dental injury?

Don't scrub or handle the root of a knocked-out tooth. Don't store it in water, as this damages the critical cells needed for reattachment. Don't try to force a dislodged tooth back into place yourself. And don't delay seeking care, even if the pain isn't severe. Quick professional evaluation is essential.

How can I prevent traumatic dental injuries?

While not all accidents are preventable, you can reduce your risk by wearing a custom fitted mouthguard during sports and other recreational activities. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy, and always use scissors to open packages, not your teeth. These simple precautions can help protect your smile.

Call APX Endodontics

Dental emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you. If you’ve experienced a dental injury, contact us right away. For expert and compassionate emergency care in Cambridge, Somerville, and the Boston area, call APX Endodontics at

. We’ll work quickly to save your tooth and protect your smile.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

APX Endo

ADDRESS

2285 Massachusetts Ave, Unit 103
Cambridge, 
MA 
02140

PHONE

Fax: 

617-789-0777