Last month, I had an accident that pushed my tooth back. I want Invisalign to reposition the tooth, but my dentist says nothing can be done further to move the tooth. 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 he might be able to do something cosmetically. But the sensation in my nostril is uncomfortable, and the tooth is clearly out of place. Do I really have to live with this? Will braces help? Thanks. Ryan

Ryan,

We wish you could have seen a dentist within a day or so of the accident. If a tooth injury is new, a dentist can move it back into place and stabilize it to prevent it from moving.

Can a Tooth Pushed Out of Place Be Repositioned?

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

If your dentist did not reposition the tooth, orthodontics can do it. Now, you must wait until your tooth fully heals. Invisalign or braces will reposition your front teeth relatively quickly. If you have no problems with your bite and no TMJ symptoms, you can only get Invisalign for your upper teeth.

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 a root canal specialist (endodontist) must clean root canal cement and filler inside the tooth’s crown. Otherwise, your tooth will turn dark over time. If the crown is left clean, it takes years for the tooth to darken.

You can schedule a consultation with an orthodontist provider to examine your tooth and determine when you can begin treatment.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.