Dental Injury

Traumatic dental injuries are injuries that affect the teeth and surrounding tissues. Dental trauma is often the result of an accident, such as a car accident or a fall, or the result of a sports injury. The severity of these injuries varies, and the type of treatment you need depends on the type, and severity, of the trauma. No matter what the severity of the trauma, it is important that you seek treatment immediately. Optimum Oral Surgery Group is here to help.

Cracked Teeth

Cracks, or fractures, in teeth vary in severity and are often sustained as a result of an abrupt blow to the face or if you bite down on a piece of food or object that is extremely hard. Cracks in teeth, even small ones, can compromise your oral health, as well as the appearance of your smile. Without treatment, they can worsen over time. Cracks that affect the inner layers of your teeth leave an open passage for bacteria to pass through. Once bacteria get inside the tooth, they can lead to a painful, and dangerous, infection.

It is possible to crack a tooth and not realize it. There are some symptoms, however, that can point toward the issue. Common symptoms of a cracked tooth include:

Cracked teeth can often be treated with a crown, a cap-like restoration that covers over the entire visible surface of the affected tooth. The crown protects the tooth from further harm while restoring strength and preventing infection. If the crack is too severe, however, an extraction may be required.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Tooth injuries can also affect the surfaces of the tooth below the gumline. Because these injuries are often invisible, it can be difficult to know that you have a fractured root until an infection develops. An infection can cause significant tooth pain, and can also allow bacteria to spill out of the tooth and into the bloodstream. Even if you do not see any visible damage to your teeth following an injury to your mouth, it is important that you seek dental treatment immediately. X-rays can detect fractures in the roots of your teeth before they have a chance to develop into something serious.

Tooth Loss

Dental injuries can sometimes result in tooth loss. If the tooth is knocked out cleanly, it is possible to re-implant it. First, find the tooth and clean it off. Be careful to only handle the tooth by the crown. After you have cleaned the tooth, store it in milk or a saline solution until your appointment. We can generally re-implant the tooth and secure it while the periodontal ligaments and bone heal around it. If the tooth is too damaged or you cannot find it, we can discuss your tooth replacement options.

Tooth Intrusion

Some dental injuries involve the tooth being pushed deeper into the socket. These types of injuries are more common in primary teeth, as the alveolar bone of younger individuals is softer. This type of injury can cause several issues, including:

If your tooth has been pushed deeper into its socket, we can repair it. Be sure not to attempt to reseat the tooth by yourself. After we have placed your tooth in its proper location, we will secure it with a split until your periodontal ligament and bone heal around it.

If you have experienced dental trauma, it is essential that you seek dental treatment immediately, even if you do not think the issue is serious. Call Optimum Oral Surgery Group at (856) 437-4432 to schedule your consultation today.