Symptoms and Signs of Broken or Knocked-out Teeth

Doctor's Notes on Broken or Knocked-out Teeth

Dental injuries to the teeth can occur from falls, physical assaults, sports activities, child abuse, and traumas such as motor vehicle accidents. Often when teeth are knocked out emergency care is needed, especially if a permanent tooth is involved.

Common symptoms of dental injuries of broken or knocked-out teeth include toothache, jaw pain, pain with chewing, or pain or discomfort with temperature changes. A tooth may break off, become loosened, fall out, or be pushed into the gum line. Less common symptoms of dental injuries such as broken or knocked-out teeth may include isolated bleeding from the mouth, cuts surrounding the lips and cheeks, facial swelling, and a change in the tooth’s color (this may take a long time to appear). Seek emergency dental or medical care if broken or knocked-out teeth are accompanied by symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent bleeding, severe pain, facial swelling, or fever.