Dislodgement

Dislodgement is the act or process of being displaced from a normal position or attachment. It occurs when external forces, instability in the supporting medium, or failure of restraints overcome the holding forces that keep an object in place. Dislodgement can be temporary or permanent and may occur in natural settings, living systems, or engineered structures.

In dentistry, dislodgement commonly refers to a tooth that has been loosened or displaced from its socket after trauma, or a dental restoration that has detached. In clinical medicine, devices such as endotracheal tubes, catheters, or implanted components can become dislodged, risking misplacement and requiring prompt repositioning or stabilization.

In geology and civil engineering, dislodgement describes the removal or movement of soil, rock, or debris from a surface or slope, induced by weathering, rainfall, freeze–thaw cycles, vibrations, or seismic activity. In mechanical contexts, components may become dislodged from assemblies because of wear, improper fastening, or resonant motion.

Consequences vary with context but can include injury, property damage, loss of function, or compromised safety. Prevention emphasizes secure attachments, protective barriers, routine maintenance, and monitoring for signs of instability; management involves rapid reattachment, stabilization, and analysis of underlying causes.

The term is used across disciplines with field-specific nuances, such as dental dislodgement, device dislodgement, or geological dislodgement.