If you experience a traumatic dental event, such as a car, motorcycle, or bicycle accident, a sports collision, or an unexpected fall, a lot of bad things happen quickly. Pain, bleeding, and an altered smile are just some of the results from this type of injury. When immediate care is provided, the affected tooth can sometimes be preserved, preventing further damage. If not, modern restorations can preserve oral health and maintain your appearance.
Common Dental Injuries
Children and adults face different types of dental trauma due to age, activity level, and tooth development. Here are some of the common injuries seen in our emergency dental practice:
In children, the most common injuries include knocked-out teeth, shifted teeth, and chipped or broken enamel. Children’s primary teeth grow in soft bone, making them easy to move or knock out. When a young child experiences an injury to one of their baby teeth, it potentially impacts the permanent tooth beneath. If the permanent tooth is affected now, then it risks being impacted for life. Care focuses on easing any residual pain and maintaining the health of the permanent tooth.
In adults, chipped or fractured teeth are common. Older individuals are at greater risk for dental injuries resulting from accidents involving high-impact collisions and falls. Adults also experience more root fracture injuries and injuries to oral tissue and structures. This often causes a tooth to feel loose, painful, or sensitive. Although less common in adults than in younger children, older adults may lose a tooth completely due to an injury.
Injured Tooth First Aid
A fast response helps to protect your tooth and reduce further complications.
Knocked-out tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), but do not touch the roots. Rinse gently with warm water if needed. Try to place the tooth back into its socket, if possible, or store it in a container filled with milk and arrive at your dentist as quickly as possible.
Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with clean water and attempt to retain any tooth fragments.
Loose or shifted tooth: Avoid touching or forcing it back into place. Seek care right away.
Pain or swelling: Apply a cold compress to the injured area and contact a dentist as soon as possible.
If you have questions about your next steps in the case of dental trauma, feel free to contact our office at any time of the day or night.
Lower Your Dental Injury Risk
Some injuries just aren’t avoidable, but simple steps help reduce your risk.
- Use a protective mouthguard while participating in contact sports or other physically demanding activities.
- Wear a helmet when engaging in activities where your head may strike an object (biking, skateboarding, etc.). E-bikes and e-scooters are now traveling at speeds that warrant full helmets with chin and face protection. On a motorcycle, fully protective helmets should be considered mandatory.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects.
- Schedule dental appointments at least twice a year so that any weakened or damaged teeth are identified and treated promptly.
- Ensure young children engage in safe play environments..
- Eat a balanced diet. Calcium-rich foods and the use of fluoride help strengthen enamel and lower the chance of tooth fractures.
These are just some of the simple things that help protect your oral health and the oral health of those you love.
Emergency Dental Care in Placerville
Dental trauma needs prompt attention. Waiting too long leads to infection, permanent tooth loss, or more complex treatment. The Placerville Dental Group provides emergency dental care for injuries, pain, and other urgent dental concerns. If you or a family member experiences a dental injury, contact our office right away. We want to restore your comfort and protect your smile!
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