Traumatic dental injuries are often the consequence of an accident or a sports injury. Most of these injuries are not very severe. Having a tooth dislodged or totally knocked out is less frequent, but the consequences are more serious. The nature, location, and degree of the injury determine treatment. Regardless of the severity of the injury, you should see a dentist or an endodontist as soon as possible. This is why you should immediately schedule an appointment with a dentist in Waikiki, Honolulu. Your surrounding teeth may occasionally sustain extra, undiscovered harm that a thorough dental checkup can only diagnose.
What is dental trauma?
Dental trauma is called physical harm to the teeth, alveolar bone (the bone that contains the tooth sockets), the soft tissue of the mouth, or gums, including the lips and tongue. Dental trauma encompasses a wide range of injuries, including the following:
- Chipped tooth
- Gum lacerations
- Dental fractures, such as enamel fractures or root fractures
- Lips lacerations
- Subluxation
- Jaw fracture
- Intrusion
- Tooth socket wall fracture
- Avulsion
Causes of dental trauma
Most dental trauma cases result from an accident, such as a fall, a vehicle collision, or participation in sports. Some occurrences occur due to involvement in violent incidents, such as physical abuse or fighting.
Treatments for dental trauma
The kind of trauma determines treatment. Tooth and mouth injuries should be evaluated by a dentist, especially if a tooth or teeth has incurred damage or gone loose. When a tooth is damaged, the neighboring teeth may also have injuries that are not always visible unless a dental checkup is performed.
- A tooth-colored filling may be recommended to replace the lost portion of a chipped or broken tooth. If a large portion of the crown is missing, an artificial cap or crown may be substituted.
- A root canal may be required if the pulp is exposed.
- Shattered cusps and other back tooth injuries may necessitate a root canal and a full-coverage crown.
- More serious injuries, such as split teeth, may necessitate tooth extraction.
- The dentist should realign dislodged (luxated) teeth, and root canal therapy may be required.
- If you act immediately, you may be able to replant teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed).
Endodontists are dentists who focus on the treatment of traumatic dental injuries. They can frequently save injured teeth due to their sophisticated abilities, procedures, and technologies. Find an endodontist immediately if you have a fractured or injured tooth. You will get relief from your pain and most likely save your tooth if you act quickly.
