Patients who visit a dentist after a tooth injury will have their lips, tongue and gums examined for all tooth fragments that may have broken loose during the injury. A dentist often can determine the severity of the injury based on whether or not the tooth is loose and whether or not the tooth is tender to the touch.

In some – but not all – cases, x-rays may be helpful in determining the extent of the injury. If the injured tooth is still in the mouth, the dentist will determine whether the tooth needs to be realigned or removed.

In some cases, the tooth can be pushed into place or reimplanted without having to perform major restoration work. However, some injuries may be severe enough to put the tooth’s pulp at risk of infection or death. In such instances, the main purpose of treatment is to keep the pulp of the tooth intact. If the pulp cannot be saved, it may need to be removed.

Treatments that may be performed when the pulp is compromised include:

• Direct pulp capping. Placement of a cement base under a deep filling to protect the pulp from infection.
  
  
• Pulpotomy. Removal of the top part of the pulp, which results in partial removal of the nerve. It most often is used on primary teeth.
  
  
• Pulpectomy. Complete removal of the pulp. This is usually the start of root canal therapy. After the pulp is removed, the hollow area within the tooth is usually filled and sealed.
  
  
• Extraction. Removal of the entire tooth from its socket in the jaw. Extraction may be used when the tooth is too damaged or diseased to be saved.

Dental restoration procedures, including cosmetic dentistry, may be recommended to improve the appearance of cracked or chipped permanent teeth.