Dental trauma can happen to anyone at any age, and it can be a frightening experience. Dental trauma is when there’s an injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw, which could result in cracks, chips, or displacement of the tooth. This type of injury can range from mild to severe, and it could impact both the health of your teeth and the look of your smile. Knowing what dental trauma is and what to do if you experience it is important for everyone.
At Access Endodontics, we offer dental trauma treatment in our Ellicott City, MD, office. Pursue professional help if you have a knocked-out tooth, cracks or chips in your teeth, or an injury to your mouth. Call us today at 410.304.7226 for fast, effective treatment.
What Is Dental Trauma and What Causes It?
Dental trauma is an injury that occurs in the teeth, gums, or jaw. While it can happen in a single instance, such as a blow to the face, sometimes dental trauma is caused by more subtle factors. These can include:
- Grinding your teeth
- Recurrent biting on hard objects
- A bad fall
- An accident involving the mouth or face
- Sports injuries to the face or mouth
- Car accidents that involve the face or head
No matter the cause, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Pain, infection, and other complications can occur if dental trauma isn’t addressed.
5 Examples of Dental Trauma
1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Teeth can be chipped or fractured due to falls, accidents, or trauma to the face. Teeth that are chipped or fractured need immediate dental attention to avoid further damage, sensitivity, and infection.
2. Dislodged Teeth
Dislodged teeth are when the tooth is partially or entirely knocked out of its socket. To save the tooth, it is critical to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Prior to seeking medical attention, you can try to put the tooth back in place yourself, but make sure not to force it. Another option is to put the tooth in a container of milk, which will help to preserve it until you see your dentist.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are injuries to the gums, tongue, or lips that occur due to impact or trauma to the face or mouth. These injuries can be painful and can cause bleeding or swelling.
4. Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries can occur due to impact from accidents or sports injuries. These injuries can be severe and may require medical attention.
5. Tooth Intrusion
Tooth intrusion is when the tooth is displaced into the socket and may involve a small portion of the root. This type of dental trauma requires immediate dental attention by an endodontist to ensure the best possible outcome.
What to Do if You’ve Experienced Dental Trauma
It is essential to seek dental care as soon as possible if you’ve experienced dental trauma. Contact your dentist or endodontist right away and describe the injuries you’ve incurred. They will advise you on the best course of action, which could include steps like cleaning the injured area, taking X-rays, applying medication, or scheduling an emergency endodontic procedure.
Contact Access Endodontics Today for Dental Trauma Treatment
At Access Endodontics, we understand the impact of dental trauma, and we are here to help. Our endodontists, Dr. Burton Waxman and Dr. Lina Jarboe, have years of experience in emergency dental care and endodontic procedures. We offer sedation for patients with anxiety and laser-assisted procedures to quickly relieve pain and reduce recovery times. If you’ve experienced dental trauma, contact us today by calling 410.304.7226 or by reaching out to our team online.