Traumatic Dental Injuries
Traumatic dental injuries often occur in accidents or sports-related injuries. Chipped teeth account for the majority of all dental injuries. Dislodged or knocked-out teeth are examples of less frequent, but more severe injuries.
Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of each injury. Any dental injury, even if apparently mild, requires examination by a dentist or an endodontist immediately. Sometimes, neighboring teeth suffer an additional, unnoticed injury that will only be detected by a thorough dental exam.
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating traumatic dental injuries. With their advanced skills, techniques and technologies they can often save injured teeth. If you have a cracked or injured tooth, contact us right away.
How will my injury be treated?
Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Most chipped or fractured tooth crowns can be repaired either by reattaching the broken piece or by placing a tooth-colored filling. If a significant portion of the tooth crown is broken off, an artificial crown or "cap" may be needed to restore the tooth. If the pulp is exposed or damaged after a crown fracture, root canal treatment may be needed.
If breathing through your mouth or drinking cold fluids is painful, bite on clean, moist gauze or cloth to help relieve symptoms until reaching your dentist's office. Never use topical oral pain medications (such as Anbesol®) or place aspirin on the affected areas.
Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth
During an injury, a tooth may be pushed sideways, out of or into its socket. Your endodontist or general dentist will reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually needed for permanent teeth that have been dislodged and should be started a few days following the injury.
Children between seven and 12 years old may not need root canal treatment since their teeth are still developing. New research indicates that stem cells present in the pulps of young people can be stimulated to complete root growth and heal the pulp following injuries or infection.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth
If a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth, time is of the essence. See an endodontist or dentist immediately. Handle the knocked-out tooth very gently, avoiding touching the root surface. Your endodontist or dentist will carefully evaluate the tooth, place it back in its socket, and examine you for any other dental and facial injuries. A stabilizing splint will be placed for a few weeks.
The length of time the tooth was out of the mouth and how it was stored before reaching the dentist influence the chances of saving the tooth.
Root Fractures
A traumatic injury may also result in a horizontal root fracture. The location of the fracture determines the long-term health of the tooth. If the fracture is close to the root tip, the chances for success are much better. The closer the fracture is to the gum line, the poorer the long-term success rate. Sometimes, stabilization with a splint is required for a period of time.
Injuries in Children
Chipped primary (baby) teeth can be esthetically restored. Primary teeth that have been knocked out typically should not be replanted, as this may cause permanent damage to the underlying permanent tooth growing inside the bone.
Children's permanent teeth that are not fully developed at the time of injury need special attention and careful follow-up, but not all of them will need root canal treatment. In an immature permanent tooth, stem cells in the region may enable the dentist or endodontist to stimulate continued root growth.
Will the tooth need additional treatment?
The nature of the injury, the length of time from injury to treatment, how the tooth was cared for after injury, and your body's response all affect the long-term health of the tooth. Following the injury, you should return for examination at regular intervals for up to five years to ensure that root resorption is not occurring and that surrounding tissues continue to heal.