Success rates for survival of avulsed teeth vary and are dependent on the time the tooth had been knocked out before it was reimplanted, as well as the condition of the attachment tissues on the tooth root and condition of the socket. Ankylosis:
Following reimplantation, the healing process may result in the tooth root to become fused, or ankylosed, to the bone in the socket.
Root Resorption:
Following reimplantation, the healing process may result in resorption of tooth root. This process may occur on the outside or inside of the root. Resorption causes softening and loss of tooth structure, similar to decay and may require root canal treatment, surgical and/or restorative repair of the resorbed area, or removal of the tooth.
Tooth Discoloration:
Following trauma to the tooth and reimplantation, the tooth may become discolored, turning darker than the teeth next to it. If the reimplantation is successful, the tooth discoloration may be treated with bleaching and may also require root canal therapy.
Root Canal Therapy:
If root canal therapy was not performed at, or near the time of tooth reimplantation, root canal treatment may be required to save the tooth after reimplantation due to a number of complications as mentioned above. The injury to the tooth itself, or the complications following reimplantation can result in irreversible damage to the tooth pulp (nerve and blood supply to the tooth), requiring root canal therapy.
Infection:
Following trauma to the tooth, infection may result, requiring antibiotic therapy and also may require root canal therapy. If the infection cannot be resolved, tooth loss may occur.
Cosmetic Alteration:
Due to trauma to the gum tissue and bone supporting the tooth/teeth at the site of injury, changes in the appearance of the teeth and the gum and bone structure around the teeth may occur. These changes may be treated with various cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, as well as periodontal plastic surgical and oral surgical bone reconstructive procedures if necessary.
