Luxation of Primary Teeth

A luxated tooth is loose and has some lateral displacement, but remains in its socket.

Treatment

  • Management depends on degree of mobility and displacement.
  • Highly mobile teeth or teeth interfering with occlusion need immediate dental referral.
  • Less traumatized teeth require good oral hygiene, a soft diet, and dental referral in one day to one week based on symptoms.

Dental Care & Expected Outcome

  • Dentist will take a radiograph.
  • Highly mobile teeth or teeth interfering with occlusion may be treated by:
    • Extraction
    • Repositioning and splinting
  • Less traumatized teeth will be monitored.
  • Follow-up monitoring by the dentist will assess return of normal physiologic mobility and monitor tooth vitality.
  • Teeth that become necrotic typically require extraction.

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Management of Acute Dental Trauma. Pediatric Dentistry 2009;31(6):187-195.

International Association of Dental Traumatology. Dental Trauma Guidelines, Revised 2020. https://www.iadt-dentaltrauma.org/for-professionals.html.