A traumatic dental injury happens when your teeth, gums, lips, or the surrounding areas get hurt due to an impact. These injuries can range from small chips to losing a tooth completely. It’s very important to get dental help right away to avoid long-term damage and keep your mouth healthy.
Types of Traumatic Dental Injuries
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A part of the tooth may break off. Treatment usually involves smoothing the edges or fixing the tooth with bonding or a crown. This would be a visit to your general dentist.
Cracked Teeth
Cracks can be small or deep. Treatment may involve bonding, a root canal, or a crown, depending on how bad the crack is.
Dislodged Teeth
These teeth are pushed out of place. An Oral surgeon can often put them back, but you need to act quickly.
Knocked-Out Teeth
If a tooth falls out, it’s important to act fast. Keep the tooth moist (in milk if possible) and see an Oral Surgeon right away, ideally within 1-2 hrs.
Intruded Teeth
These teeth are pushed into the jawbone. Treatment usually involves repositioning and stabilizing the tooth or letting them come down into position on their own with time.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or tears in the gums, lips, or inside the mouth. These may need cleaning and stitches to heal properly.
Symptoms of Dental Trauma
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
Tooth pain or ache
Swelling or bleeding in the mouth
Loose or missing teeth
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Trouble chewing or speaking
What to Do if You Experience Dental Trauma
Get Immediate Care: ContactTopeka Oral Surgery right away. If you can’t reach them and the injury is serious, go to the nearest emergency room.
Save the Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out, rinse it with water and try to put it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk or saline solution until you see an Oral Surgery..
Manage Pain and Swelling: Take over-the-counter pain relief and apply ice to reduce swelling while you wait for care.
Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings (resin composite fillings) are a great choice for fixing damaged teeth. Some benefits are:
Looks Natural: They match the color of your teeth for a smooth, natural look.
Strong: Modern materials are durable and can handle chewing pressure.
Less Tooth Removal: They require less drilling than other fillings, keeping more of your natural tooth.
Better Support: Composite fillings bond to the tooth, adding extra strength.
Timely Care for Dental Injuries
A dental injury can be upsetting, but getting the right care quickly can help you recover and avoid long-term issues. If you or someone you know has a dental injury, contact Topeka Oral Surgery for expert treatment and personalized care.
Call us today to schedule an emergency consultation and get your smile back!
