A blow to the face, a sports injury, a car accident, or a fall can all necessitate endodontic services. In such an event, your tooth may have sustained a traumatic injury, possibly having it pushed up into the socket, into a neighboring tooth, or perhaps it cracked. Depending on the extent of the injury, Access Endodontics in Howard County may be able to restore and save your tooth. Left untreated, even minor injuries can cause long-term issues like infections. With quick action, our endodontists will help you keep your natural tooth.
Contact our team at 410.304.7226 or reach out online to learn more.
Types of Traumatic Injuries
Dental injuries that could require endodontic treatment include:
- Avulsed teeth – A complete displacement of the tooth out of the socket
- Intrusion – The tooth is pushed up into the bone
- Extrusion – The tooth is completely pushed out of the bone
- Luxated teeth – A displacement into a neighboring tooth
- Root fractures – Cracks in the roots of the teeth
- Chipped, fractured, or dislodged artificial crowns
- Chipped or fractured teeth
Children might also require endodontic services if they have experienced a traumatic injury. While root canals are typically not performed on primary teeth, having a dentist or endodontist examine your child’s teeth after an accident is recommended.
Treatment for Traumatic Injuries in Ellicott City, Maryland
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chipped teeth are the most common traumatic dental injury. You could chip a tooth while biting down on a fork, chewing on ice, or drinking from a ceramic mug. This is also the easiest injury to repair. Your dentist or endodontist might be able to reattach the broken piece or place a tooth-colored filling. A crown or cap may also be needed to restore the full functionality of your tooth.
Cracked teeth may require a root canal, particularly if the tooth’s fracture has exposed the pulp. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, may be an indication that your tooth’s nerve endings have been compromised. A root canal treatment will remove any damaged tissue and protect the interior of your tooth from infection.
Knocked-Out or Dislodged Teeth
If your tooth has been displaced from the socket or has been pushed into a neighboring tooth, your endodontist will likely be able to reposition and stabilize the tooth. Root canal treatment will prevent infection, and a crown can further protect the tooth. Teeth that have been moved out of place can be harder to clean and are susceptible to decay. Additionally, if your tooth has been pushed into a neighboring tooth, it can cause damage that you might not immediately see or feel. An X-ray can determine whether the neighboring teeth need endodontic treatment as well.
If your tooth has been completely knocked out, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of saving the tooth. Place it back into the socket if at all possible. Otherwise, keeping it in a glass of milk while traveling to your dentist or endodontist will keep the tooth moist.
When to Reach Out to an Ellicott City Endodontist
If you’ve experienced an accident, you may wonder who to turn to- a dentist, endodontist, or emergency room. Tooth pain is a clear sign that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They might refer you to an endodontist if there are concerns about interior tooth damage.
Timely treatment is a priority if you’ve been through a traumatic injury. Reach out to your endodontist or dentist as soon as possible for an appointment.
Contact Access Endodontics Today
Has a traumatic injury damaged your teeth or gums? Don’t wait for sensitivity or pain to tell you that there’s a deeper problem. Access Endodontics can help repair and restore your teeth to prevent future issues.
Contact Drs. Lina Jarboe and Burton Waxman at 410.304.7226 or reach out online today to schedule an appointment, verify your insurance, or learn more about our services.
