Intrusive luxation is a traumatic injury to teeth where the tooth has been shunted up into its socket.
Intrusive luxation injuries can occur in adult teeth and deciduous/primary teeth.
In adult teeth the tooth if the displacement is less than 3mm then treatment is to wait 2-4 weeks for it to reposition naturally, if this does not happen then it needs to be moved surgically or using braces. If the displacement is more than 3mm then surgical or orthodontic movement is definitely required.
In deciduous/baby teeth if the root tip can be felt in the gum above the tooth then the tooth can be left to move naturally. If not then the root may damage the tooth underneath so extraction is necessary
In general all luxation injuries need to be treated as a dental emergency and a prompt dental visit is necessary. A tooth that has been displaced in its socket generally should be repositioned as soon as possible back to its original position. This is likely to be extremely painful and best performed by a dentist under local anaesthetic.
Lateral luxations tend to be firm and not easily moved we therefore do not recommend trying to reposition the tooth yourself.
In decidous/baby teeth a minor luxation with no bite disturbance or swelling/pain should be manageable with the measures below.
To keep the area clean in the mean time
If there is pain/swelling in the gum overlying the root of the tooth or swelling in your face then contact a dentist to discuss treatment.
Any damage to the lips or gums should be cleaned with salty water or chlorhexidine mouthwash (on cotton wool if necessary)
PLEASE NOTE ANY FAST SPREADING SWELLING IN YOUR FACE OR NECK REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AS IT CAN BECOME A MEDICAL EMERGENCY