Dental trauma is a term used to describe an injury to the teeth or surrounding tissues. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including sports injuries, fights, falls, car accidents, and more. The symptoms of dental trauma can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Therefore, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. If you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms, make sure you receive medical care or visit your dentist for dental trauma treatment.
If the trauma damages your inner tooth, you may need the services of an endodontist. If so, call Access Endodontics at 410.304.7226 or reach out to us online today to schedule an appointment.
An Overview of Dental Trauma
Dental trauma refers to any injury or damage caused to the teeth or surrounding tissues due to external forces. Some examples of dental trauma include cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, loosened or displaced teeth, and soft tissue injuries such as cuts, bruises, and lacerations. Dental trauma can affect both children and adults, and it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Dental trauma can happen due to a variety of reasons, including accidents, sports injuries, fights, falls and car accidents. You can also experience dental trauma if you grind your teeth or bite into hard objects, such as ice or hard candy. Children are particularly vulnerable to dental trauma due to their active lifestyles and developing teeth.
The Symptoms of Dental Trauma
While some dental trauma may not be immediately visible, there are some common symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Pain – The most common symptom of dental trauma is pain. You may experience a sharp, intense, or dull ache depending on the severity of the injury.
- Bleeding – Dental trauma can cause bleeding from the soft tissues within the mouth, including your gums and lips. The bleeding can be severe in some cases and may require immediate attention.
- Swelling – If you notice swelling in your face, cheeks, or gums, it could be a sign of dental trauma. Swelling can be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
- Sensitivity – Dental trauma can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. You may also experience sensitivity to pressure or touch.
- Discoloration – Tooth discoloration can occur due to dental trauma. The tooth may turn gray, yellow, or brown depending on the location and extent of the injury.
- Tooth mobility – Dental trauma can cause your teeth to become loose or wobbly. If you notice any of your teeth moving or shifting out of place, it’s a clear sign of dental trauma.
If you or someone you know has experienced dental trauma, it’s crucial to seek immediate care from a dental professional.
What to Do if You’ve Experienced Dental Trauma
Calling your dentist is the first step if you think you’ve experienced dental trauma. Before getting to your dentist or endodontist, you can also:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling
- If your tooth has fallen out, try to find it and keep it in a container of milk or saliva. This can increase the chances of successfully reattaching the tooth
- Avoid eating hard and chewy foods
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain
For the best dental trauma care, visit Access Endodontics.
Dental Trauma? Call Access Endodontics Right Away
Dental trauma can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but with the right care and treatment, you can recover and restore your dental health. If you’ve experienced dental trauma, it’s essential to seek immediate care from a dental professional. At Access Endodontics, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team of experienced professionals, led by Dr. Burton Waxman and Dr. Lina Jarboe, is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to our patients. We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. So don’t hesitate—schedule an appointment with Access Endodontics today by calling 410.304.7226 and let us help you restore your dental health.