Traumatic Tooth Injury

What is a traumatic tooth injury?

A traumatic tooth injury occurs in response to a sudden event. In most cases, the injury is relatively minor – like a chip – but serious injuries are possible. Traumatic injury may involve a dislodged tooth or having it knocked out completely.

If you or a loved one experiences a tooth injury, even if it seems minor, get an evaluation from a skilled dentist or endodontist like the doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC. He can let you know if you need immediate treatment to prevent complications like infection or tooth loss. It’s possible that nearby teeth were also damaged in the accident. 

What are the types of traumatic tooth injury?

Some of the most common traumatic tooth injuries include:

Chipped or fractured teeth

Usually, one of the doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC can repair your chipped or fractured tooth by reattaching the broken piece or applying a tooth-colored filling. Sometimes a chipped or fractured tooth requires a crown, or tooth-colored cap, to protect the damaged tooth.

Dislodged teeth

A fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause your tooth to be pushed sideways or out of its socket. The doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC repositions and stabilizes your tooth. Sometimes, he recommends a root canal to prevent deep infection.

Knocked out teeth

If you have a tooth knocked completely out of your mouth, take steps to preserve it as you make your way to Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC. Avoid touching the root surface, rinse off any dirt in cool water, and place the tooth back in your socket or between your cheek and gum.

If that’s not possible, preserve your tooth in a cup of milk. The better you follow these directives, and the faster you get to the office, the more likely your tooth can be repositioned successfully.

Root fractures

A horizontal root fracture undermines your tooth’s long-term health. When the fracture occurs close to the tip of your tooth, the chance is greater that your tooth can be saved. They places a stabilizing splint to help your tooth heal and monitors it to determine if you need further treatment.

How do you treat a traumatic tooth injury?

Treatment for a traumatic tooth injury depends on the type, location, and severity of each injury. You do want a provider who has experience with traumatic injury and can monitor your tooth over several months.

Contact the Midtown West office of Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today if you experience a traumatic tooth injury, or use this website to check availability online.