A dental emergency can happen any time. You might crack a tooth chewing on some ice, or your smile might be injured as a result of an accident while playing sports. Even if the dental damage doesn’t look too bad, it could still lead to infections and other serious issues in the future. That’s why you need an expert to evaluate the damage and perform any necessary repairs as soon as possible. Call Worcester Endodontics immediately for treatment to address traumatic dental injuries in Worcester, MA.
Types of Dental Injuries
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Chipped or Fractured Teeth: When enamel has broken off from the tooth, it can result in serious fractures. Not only can this lead to further damage, but it can lead to infection.
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Dislodged or Knocked-Out Teeth: A dislodged tooth is one that has moved out of its proper position, leading to pain and serious oral health issues. And of course, a tooth being knocked out altogether can have devastating consequences.
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Root Fractures: Sometimes the damage isn’t always visible; the underlying roots of the tooth can become cracked or broken.
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Root Resorption: Sometimes the body might actually reject a tooth after an injury; this condition will need to be treated at regular intervals to save the tooth.
How are Dental Injuries Treated?
If we find that the dental pulp has been damaged or infected as a result of your dental injury, we’ll need to remove it with root canal therapy or another endodontic procedure. Chips and fractures can be repaired with dental crowns. Dislodged and knocked-out teeth can be replanted if swift action is taken. Root fractures may have to be stabilized with a splint. We will provide additional treatments depending on the type of injury.
What to Do if You Have a Traumatic Dental Injury
Your first step should be to call our endodontic office right away. The potential for infection and further injury only grows worse the longer you wait. Furthermore, there’s only a limited amount of time to attempt to replant a tooth that has been dislodged or knocked-out. As such, an appointment needs to be made as soon as possible. We’ll give you some first-aid tips over the phone that can keep your smile safe and comfortable until your appointment.
Traumatic Dental Injuries FAQs
What Are Some Common Traumatic Dental Injuries?
Common traumatic dental injuries include chipped or fractured teeth, dislodged (luxated) teeth, and teeth that have been completely knocked out (avulsed). Others involve root fractures, damage to the supporting jawbone, or even injuries to the soft tissues around the teeth. In many cases, these types of injuries result from falls, contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, or other impacts to the face. Even minor-looking damage can affect the tooth’s pulp or roots, meaning that it’s important to seek prompt evaluation and treatment from an endodontist to prevent further complications.
Will a Traumatic Dental Injury Heal on Its Own?
Remember, a traumatic dental injury will not heal properly on its own, and you should always contact our office promptly in the situations. While some symptoms may subside over time, the underlying damage—such as a crack in the tooth, a dislodged root, or even injury to the inner pulp—can worsen without proper and timely care. Simply put, delaying treatment may lead to infection, tooth loss, or long-term complications, all of which can be avoided!
Will Dental Insurance Cover Traumatic Dental Injuries?
Dental insurance often covers at least part of the cost of treating traumatic dental injuries, especially when urgent care is needed to save a tooth. Coverage can include X-rays or other diagnostic services, as well as actual treatments, including root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, or others. However, keep in mind that every plan is different and coverage can vary depending on the type of injury, as well as the specifics of your policy. At our office, we’re in-network with several major insurance providers and are happy to help our patients file claims and maximize their coverage; just give us a call for more information or assistance!
How Can an Endodontist Help with Traumatic Dental Injuries?
An endodontist is a highly-trained provider who focuses on the health and treatment of the inside of teeth, which includes the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues—these specialists are often referred to as “Tooth Saviors” due to what they’re capable of accomplishing! Whether a tooth has been cracked, dislodged, or even knocked out entirely, an endodontist can assess the extent of the damage and provide treatments such as root canal therapy, which is one of the absolute best ways of saving a troubled tooth. Some other common procedures performed by endodontists include endodontic retreatment, which essentially fixes a tooth that’s already had a root canal, as well as an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of a compromised tooth root and sealing the canals to prevent further issues.
At our office, we’re thrilled to have not one, not two, but three skilled endodontists under our roof—Dr. Stern, Dr. Nikkholgh, and Dr. Rafla. If you have a traumatic dental injury, our team is certainly able to assist you!
