7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
When an Injury Affects Your Teeth
Even when we take excellent care of our teeth, sometimes accidents happen and cause significant damage. If this happens to you or someone you love, it is critical to get treatment as quickly as possible, because it may be possible to save the affected tooth or teeth. No matter how the injury happened, the steps you take in the minutes and hours immediately following it can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale, Dr. Brittain is experienced in treating traumatic dental injuries and will act quickly to give your tooth the best possible chance of recovery.
Dislodged Teeth
Some mouth injuries can push teeth deeper into their sockets. Dr. Brittain may be able to move the tooth back into place and stabilize it, but root canal treatment will most likely be necessary to save the tooth. This will typically take place within a few weeks of the injury. A medication such as calcium hydroxide will be placed in the tooth and eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be implanted.
In cases where a tooth is pushed partially out of its socket, Dr. Brittain may stabilize it, and if the pulp wasn’t damaged, it might not need further treatment. If the pulp was damaged, however, it will need root canal treatment. Leaving it untreated could lead to complications such as infection of the tooth and surrounding tissue, inadequate hygiene, and tooth loss.
Avulsed Teeth
When an injury knocks a tooth out completely, come straight to Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale or to your general dentist for treatment! Make sure to keep the tooth moist, ideally by putting it back into the socket (if possible). If the tooth remains moist, it can usually be saved. If it isn’t possible to keep it in the socket, store it in milk. Avoid touching the root at all — even to clean it, because this could damage it. The length of time the tooth spends out of your mouth and the way you store it will impact the type of treatment you receive.
Let Dr. Brittain Save Your Tooth
Fast action on your part is one of the crucial components of giving a tooth damaged by injury its best chance, and the experience of Dr. Brittain is the other. If you have any questions about what to do in the event of a mouth injury, just give us a call at 480-719-6994.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are traumatic dental injuries?
Traumatic dental injuries are sudden damage to teeth, gums, or jaw caused by accidents, sports impacts, or falls, including chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?
Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk, then seek emergency dental care immediately.Can a chipped or cracked tooth be repaired?
Yes, depending on the severity, dentists can restore damaged teeth with bonding, crowns, or veneers to restore function and appearance.Are traumatic dental injuries considered emergencies?
Yes, many dental injuries require immediate attention to prevent infection, tooth loss, or long-term complications.How can I prevent dental injuries during sports?
Wearing a custom mouthguard and protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma during athletic activities.