Chipped Teeth or Crown
Chipped teeth make up the majority of all dental injuries, most coming from sports or motor vehicle accidents. When teeth are damaged, either because of a fractured cusp, crack, or split tooth, Root Canal Treatment and a Crown may be needed to restore the function to the tooth. If you already have a crown on your chipped or fractured tooth, the crown can likely be repaired, however, if a significant portion of the crown has chipped, cracked, or broken off a new crown or ‘cap’ may be needed to restore the tooth.
Dislodged Teeth
Dislodged teeth occur when a tooth is pushed into or out of its socket. We are able to re-position and stabilize the tooth, but Root Canal Treatment is usually needed if it happens to your permanent teeth, and should be performed within a few days after the injury. For children who experience this with their baby teeth, your dentist will monitor the recovery process carefully, intervening the moment unfavorable changes occur.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Knocked-out teeth are extremely time sensitive. Anytime a tooth is knocked out, the tooth should be handled with great care and you should never touch the root of the tooth surface. When a tooth is knocked out quickly and gently rinse it in water, without any soap or other cleaning products. You should also avoid brushing the tooth with a toothbrush. If you can, place it back in its socket as soon as possible – the less time it spends outside its socket, the greater chance there is to save it. Once the tooth is placed back in its socket, your dentist will check for other dental and facial injuries, and then a stabilizing splint will be placed for a few weeks to support the tooth. If the tooth cannot be placed back in its socket right away, you should place the tooth in a bag of milk and head to our office, or nearest emergency room.
Root Fractures
Root fractures occur when a traumatic dental injury results in a fracture that extends all the way down to the root of your tooth. Because of the curved shape of the gum line, both vertical and horizontal root fractures have the potential to harm not just your tooth, but your gums too. Root Canal Therapy is typically needed for these sorts of injuries.
