A traumatic dental injury could occur for various reasons, from sports mishaps to car accidents. Depending on the intensity of the impact, dental trauma may result in moderate to severe injuries. Fortunately, many traumatic dental injuries are treatable with the help of an experienced oral surgeon.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we understand how a traumatic dental injury can impact your everyday life and are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care. Dr. Nancy Herbst has over 25 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial practice and is ready to apply her expertise to your unique injury. When you choose us, you can rest assured that your care is in the hands of a caring and experienced medical professional.
3 Causes of Traumatic Dental Injuries
While traumatic dental injuries can have countless causes, many fall into similar categories. Some of the most common causes of traumatic dental injuries include the following:
Sports Injuries
To be susceptible to a traumatic dental injury, you don’t have to be involved in a professional contact sport like football or rugby. In fact, basketball is the leading sport for dental injuries due to contact with other players. Whether playing on a court or in your backyard, a mouthguard can help protect you from injury.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents can cause devastating impacts and dental trauma. However, standard safety features such as airbags and seatbelts can mitigate the severity of accident-related injuries if they are used properly. Unfortunately, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians cannot benefit from these safety features and are more vulnerable to serious injuries.
Violence
Domestic violence among adults and fighting among kids are leading causes of traumatic dental injuries. The face can be an unfortunate yet common target during such altercations. If an individual is punched or slapped with considerable force, they may lose a tooth or suffer other traumatic oral injuries that require medical treatment.
How Are Traumatic Dental Injuries Treated?
Treating a traumatic dental injury depends heavily on the type of injury you have endured. Some of the most common traumatic dental injuries and their possible treatments include the following:
- Cracked Tooth: If your tooth cracked and the inner pulp was damaged, your doctor may need to perform a root canal to repair the damage.
- Loose Tooth: If your tooth was loosened due to your injury, your dentist might immobilize it with a split or bond it to the next tooth. This immobilization can help stabilize it as the tissue in your mouth heals.
- Broken Tooth: Chipped or broken teeth can be steadied with a crown. These coverings are made of porcelain or metal and can protect your tooth from further damage.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Knocked-out teeth require emergency dental care. If you have the tooth, clean it, wet it, and place it back in the socket. Biting on a handkerchief can help you hold the tooth in place until you get to the dentist. For the best chance at saving the tooth, try to get to the dentist within an hour of the injury.
Your doctor will diagnose your exact injury and advise you on the best treatment for your oral health.
Contact an Experienced Oral Surgeon
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we take a patient-first approach to each and every appointment. We are dedicated to using the most recent and innovative technology to care for our patients and address their unique dental needs. Our innovative methods and 25 years of experience make us the number one choice for state-of-the-art dental care. To learn more about how we can help you and schedule an appointment, call us at (201) 601-9262 or complete our contact form.
