A blow to the mouth can crack, loosen, displace or knock out a tooth and can also injure surrounding tissues. The appropriate destination depends on the severity of the injury.
Call a dentist promptly for
- A tooth that is cracked, loose, displaced or knocked out.
- Dental pain after a fall, collision or sports injury.
- Oral injury where the tooth or bite no longer feels normal.
Hospital care may be more appropriate
Suspected jaw fracture, major facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty or other potentially life-threatening symptoms warrant emergency medical care.
General emergency guidance on this site is informed by patient education from the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy program and the American Association of Endodontists. It is educational and does not replace an examination by a dentist.