What Is Luxation? Tooth Luxation Types Compared

Have you ever heard about luxation? Tooth luxation is an awful type of dental injury. There are a few different types depending on the severity of the damage. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about them. Keep reading for more information!

What Is Tooth Luxation?

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1 What Is Tooth Luxation?

2 What Is Subluxation?

3 Intrusion, Reposition and Luxation: Tooth Injuries Compared

4 What Can Tooth Luxation Lead To?

There are four types of tooth luxation, depending on the extent of the damage: extrusive, lateral, intrusive, and avulsed. Extrusive luxation (extrusion) occurs when the tooth is pushed out of its socket, while lateral luxation occurs when the tooth is pushed to the side (displacement). Intrusive luxation happens when the tooth is driven back into its socket, and avulsed luxation occurs when the tooth is completely knocked out.

Treatment for a luxated tooth depends on the type and severity of the injury, but it may involve splinting, medication, or surgery. In some cases, a luxated tooth may be able to be saved if it is treated quickly. However, if a luxated tooth is left untreated, it may eventually fall out on its own.

What Is Subluxation?

Subluxation is a term used to describe when teeth become loose in their sockets. This can happen due to a number of different issues, such as gum disease, bruxism (teeth grinding), and trauma. When subluxation occurs, it’s important to seek dental treatment right away, as it can lead to further tooth damage and loss. Treatment for subluxation typically involves stabilizing the affected tooth or teeth with braces, crowns, or bonding. In some cases, subluxation may also require extraction.

Intrusion, Reposition and Luxation: Tooth Injuries Compared

Dental trauma can occur in many ways, from car accidents to sports injuries. However, not all dental trauma is the same. In fact, there are three most common types of tooth injuries: intrusion, repositioning, and luxation. Here’s a brief overview of these dental injuries:

Intrusion: This occurs when the tooth is pushed up into the gums. Intrusion injuries are usually very painful and can damage the root of the tooth. In severe cases, surgery may be required to reposition the tooth.
Repositioning or Dislocation: This occurs when the tooth is moved out of its socket, but doesn’t become displaced. Usually, the ligaments that hold the tooth in place are stretched or torn. Repositioning injuries often heal on their own, although dental complications can occur if the injury is not treated properly.
Luxation: Tooth that is completely dislodged from its socket and damaged is luxated. Luxation injuries are very serious and can permanently damage the tooth. If possible, the tooth should be replanted within minutes of being dislodged. If left untreated, a luxation injury will likely result in tooth loss.

READ ABOUT: What Is a Tooth Cap? Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

What Can Tooth Luxation Lead To?

There are a number of serious complications to untreated luxation. Teeth may suffer in the following ways:

Loss of the tooth: If the periodontal ligaments that hold the tooth in place are damaged (concussion), the tooth may fall out on its own.
Pulp canal obliteration: Luxations can often result in damaging the tooth’s pulp. This can lead to pulp necrosis, which means the tooth might need to be extracted. Most often, a root canal is performed to prevent root resorption.
Infection: Bacteria can enter the empty socket and cause an infection. This can lead to pain, swelling, and fever.
Damage to the nearby teeth: The force of the tooth being dislodged can damage the nearby teeth. Moreover, it can cause damage and fractures to the alveolar bone.
Nerve damage: If the nerve that runs through the root of the tooth is damaged, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

To prevent these complications, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible after a tooth has been luxated. The dentist will clean the area with saline solution and put the tooth back in place. Depending on the prognosis, they might need to perform root canal therapy or other treatments to save the tooth. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.

And that’s it. Just remember this most important piece of advice on luxation: teeth don’t grow back, if you lose them, that’s forever! Thanks for reading!