What is injured?
The supporting tissues around the tooth, and possibly the pulp.
← All explanationsTooth luxation
Why is a tooth in a different position after an accident?
A luxation injury damages the tissues supporting a tooth during an accident. The tooth may become loose, move sideways, be pushed in or be partly pushed out. These injuries need immediate dental assessment, even if little tooth tissue appears damaged.
For dental trainees & teams
AI-generated
Choose a view
The supporting tissues are affected
An impact can injure the connection between the root and its socket. The tooth does not have to break; its blood vessels and nerves may also be damaged.
Direction and depth matter
Sideways displacement, intrusion and partial displacement outwards are different injuries. Tooth type and root development affect treatment decisions.
Do not push it back yourself
Seek dental help immediately. Position, stabilisation and further treatment are assessed there. Follow-up checks monitor healing and possible later complications.
At a glance
What should I do?
Seek immediate dental help and do not push the tooth back yourself.
Why check it again later?
Some effects on the pulp and root only become apparent over time.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. Straight to the point.
Explanations are also shown on screen.
Silent film in German · English explanations in the three views above
Often confused
Luxation or tooth mobility?
Here, luxation refers to an accidental injury to the supporting tissues. Looseness may also have other causes, such as periodontitis.
Quick answers
Can an injured tooth still feel firm?
Yes. A displaced tooth may be locked into the bone. Lack of looseness does not rule out a serious injury.
Why are follow-up appointments needed?
Changes to the pulp and supporting tissues may develop later. Examination and X-rays when indicated help detect complications early.
Are baby and permanent teeth treated the same way?
No. Treatment differs, partly because the developing permanent tooth lies beneath the baby tooth. Do not try to push or reposition the tooth yourself.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What type of luxation injury is present, and how will its position and healing be monitored?
Symptoms, examination findings and personal wishes form the basis of individual treatment planning.
A displaced tooth after an accident is urgent: call directly or contact an emergency dental service.
Call immediately after a dental injuryFor acute symptoms, call for prompt assessmentLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Subluxation
- Increased mobility after an injury without displacement.
- Intrusion
- A tooth has been pushed into its socket.
- Extrusion
- A tooth has been partly pushed out of its socket.
Know the difference
Position, mobility and pulp may be affected differently in luxation injuries. Complete displacement out of the socket is called avulsion.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.