Traumatic Dental Injuries
Traumatic dental injuries often occur as a result of an accident or sports injury. The majority of these injuries are minor, but more severe injuries such as a displaced or “knocked out” teeth require immediate attention by a dental professional.
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Most Common Types of Traumatic Dental Injuries
Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Dental trauma can cause partial fractures in the teeth—some may only affect the outer layer while others can compromise the entire tooth. While severe fractures can cause pain and infection, even just chipped teeth can interfere with your natural bite, causing discomfort and sometimes problems with nutrition. Chipped and fractured teeth can be treated in different ways depending on the extent of the damage, from a light filing to correct your bite to extensive restorative work.
Root Fracture
Root fractures occur when trauma damages the root of the tooth below the gumline. Because the root is integral to the health of the tooth, in these instances, your endodontist will usually elect to perform a full root canal, or extract the tooth entirely. Symptoms of a root fracture include dull ache, intense pain upon exposure to hot and cold, and swelling at the gumline.
Concussion
Concussions are serious brain injuries that can sometimes be sustained alongside dental trauma. Symptoms of a concussion include confusion, headache, and memory loss. If you suffered a traumatic dental injury and experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.
Split ToothLuxation/Displacement Injuries
Luxation occurs when trauma damages the ligaments holding the tooth in place—sometimes invisibly. This can lead to a “loose” tooth, and sometimes interfere with the blood supply to the tooth. Luxation can sometimes be treated by manual reinsertion of the tooth, as well as strict aftercare and dietary measures.
Avulsion (Dislodgement) Injuries
A tooth can be fully avulsed or “knocked out” by a traumatic dental injury. In these cases, sometimes the tooth can be recovered and manually reinserted if the root remains intact. If your tooth has been avulsed, save it in a glass of milk if possible, and your dentist will determine whether it is a candidate for reinsertion. If not, there are restorative and reconstructive treatments available.
Alveolar Fractures (Fracture of bone supporting the tooth)
Alveolar fractures are breaks in the bone that supports the tooth. Your endodontist will reposition the tooth and remaining alveolar bone and set them with a splint. Afterward, patients should practice strict oral healthcare and eat a semi-solid diet for a minimum of four weeks while the bone sets.
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At Advanced Endodontics of Nevada, we’re committed to providing high quality, evidence based, endodontic therapy to our patients. We accept patient referrals from all local dentists and we also work with patients directly. If you think you may be in need of a root canal or root canal therapy please contact our office, and our team will be sure to get you scheduled at your earliest convenience.
Prognosis and Treatment
Prognosis and treatment depends on the type, location and severity of each injury. Regardless of the extent of the injury, a thorough examination by a dentist or an endodontist will help save traumatized teeth.
For more information on endodontic microsurgery, visit the American Association of Endodontists Webpage by clicking here.
For Referring Doctors
If you are a local doctor and would like to refer a patient to our clinic, please see the link below for the appropriate forms you need to fill out. Otherwise give us a call and our office staff will be happy to walk you through the process.
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