Traumatic dental injuries can occur instantly and be very painful. They often happen when you least expect them. Should you experience one, you need to act quickly in order to protect your teeth and minimize the amount of residual damage that may occur after the accident.
But what exactly should you do immediately following a traumatic dental injury? The answer to that question will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the injury and the nature of the damage. To help you protect your teeth in any situation, we’ve created this guide to what to do after a traumatic dental injury.
If you need traumatic dental injury treatment in Ellicott City, MD, Access Endodontics can help. Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and their team of dedicated dental professionals can provide the treatment you need to preserve your teeth and return them to their original form and function. Talk to your dentist or call 410.304.7226 today if you’d like to learn more.
What Is a Traumatic Dental Injury?
A traumatic dental injury can happen when the teeth and/or soft tissue areas of the mouth are damaged in an accident or sports-related incident.
Types of traumatic dental injuries include:
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Dislodged teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Soft tissue damage
It’s important to know that what you might consider minor damage is still a cause for concern, and dental help should be sought. Cracked or chipped teeth are more vulnerable to decay. Don’t put off speaking with your dentist if the injury only appears to be a cosmetic issue; it could develop into something more serious.
How to Deal with Dental Injuries
Wondering what to do after a traumatic dental injury? Here are some quick tips to follow.
Call Your Dentist First
Unless the bleeding or damage is so severe that you need immediate medical attention, one of the first things you should do following the accident is reach out to your dentist. They know how to deal with dental injuries better than anyone, and seeking their advice may be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it forever.
After a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Chipped or cracked teeth are the most common type of traumatic dental injury, and fortunately, they’re the easiest to deal with. If you experience this type of injury, clean your mouth out immediately by rinsing with warm water, applying pressure to control bleeding, and using a cold compress to bring down swelling. Then, call your dentist.
After a Partially Dislodged or Displaced Tooth
When the tooth has been pushed up into its socket or has been knocked loose, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. The injury will not heal itself, and it’s unlikely to stop hurting on its own. Your dentist will be able to assess the problem and alleviate your pain.
After a Knocked-Out Tooth
When a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket, you should try and recover it right away, carefully rinse it with water, and if possible, place it back in its socket. Avoid touching the root as much as possible.
Apply gentle pressure while holding the tooth in place, and seek emergency treatment. You’ll need to see an endodontist as soon as possible, as the odds of saving the tooth drastically go down the longer you wait to receive treatment.
Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment in Ellicott City, MD from Access Endodontics
When you need traumatic dental injury treatment in Ellicott City, MD, Access Endodontics is here to help save your teeth and restore your oral health. Talk to your dentist for a referral or call us, Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, at 410.304.7226 to schedule your appointment today.