Dental or tooth trauma is very common, and it typically occurs when you least expect it. For example, you’ve experienced a physical accident and the impact on your teeth has been sudden and severe.
The formal understanding of tooth trauma is a physical injury to your teeth, gums, alveolar bone, nerve and tissue damage within the mouth. This includes the lips and tongue. Typically, when a sudden trauma incident occurs, you’re recommended to contact the dentist as soon as possible so the dentist can assess the severity and impact of the trauma. Trauma will require emergency treatment and a thorough examination.
Types Of Trauma
There are many types of injury that fall under tooth trauma, such as:
- Chipped or cracked teeth – not only through a physical accident but your teeth can chip and crack if you suffer from teeth grinding as well
- A vertical root fracture of the tooth – Vertical fracture starts from the gum line and works its way up
- A loose tooth – The tooth becomes wobbly if a portion of the tooth is removed from its socket
- A knocked-out tooth – The tooth has been completely knocked out of its socket leaving a gap
- A fracture of the jaw – A break through the mandibular bone
- Laceration of the gums and lips – Also known as a cut to the gum or lips causing bleeding, which can heal itself
Treatment For Tooth Trauma
Most oral health issues stemming from trauma are treatable at the dentist. The first thing you should do is contact the dentist so a thorough examination can take place against the impacted area. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when it comes to treating injuries that fall under trauma.
- If your tooth has been cracked or chipped, the tooth can be reattached either by tooth bonding, a tooth-coloured fitting if the crack has occurred to the molars or a protected crown.
- If your tooth is loose, the dentist may perform tooth splinting. Tooth splinting helps to stabilize the tooth against a stable tooth and reduce its movement so it can be used for mouth functioning.
- If your tooth has been knocked out, the tooth may not be reattached to the gum, and it is likely that the dentist will request you to consider restorative treatments such as dental implants. Any bleeding will be immediately halted to heal the socket.
- If your jaw is fractured, the dentist is likely to recommend orthognathic surgery of your jaw. The procedure involves repositioning or adjusting the upper or lower jaw in its correct position.
- If you suffer from a lacerated lip or gum, this will naturally heal itself and bleeding should stop naturally. If bleeding continues to excessive, seek further assistance at the dentist.
Trauma can have a sudden impact on your oral health. It is important that you seek further attention as soon as possible if either of the above trauma injuries occurs. You can contact us at Parkdale Family Dental today and we’d be more than happy to assist you. Click here to get started now!