If you’ve ever witnessed someone falling on their face or getting hit in the mouth with a ball, you have probably winced when you saw the resulting dental damage. Whether a tooth cracks, loosens or completely falls out, the results can be shocking, as well as painful. However, rest assured, at Blue Ocean Dentistry, we are here to help! If you or anyone you love loses a tooth to any type of accident, we have systems in place to handle the situation quickly and efficiently.
Many dental accidents compromise the inner soft tissues of the tooth, known as the dental pulp. When something injures the pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
Chipped or Fractured Teeth
Most chipped teeth can be fixed with a tooth-colored filling if the chip does not expose the pulp. If the pulp is exposed, a sedative filling can be placed over the pulp and that might be the end of treatment. Other exposures, however, may require root canal treatment.
Injuries to the back teeth often include fractured cusps, cracked teeth, and (more serious) split teeth. Cracks may or may not extend into the root. If the crack does not extend into the root, the tooth can usually be restored with a full crown. If the crack does extend into the root and affects the pulp, root canal treatment is usually necessary to save all or a portion of your tooth.
Dislodged Teeth
If the pulp remains healthy, no additional treatment may be needed. During an injury a tooth may be pushed up into its socket. This is one of the more serious injuries. We will try to reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury, and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, may be put into the tooth. A rubber-based root canal filling will be placed at a later date. This type of injury needs annual monitoring to make sure the treatment is working. During an injury, a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Repositioning and stabilizing the tooth are usually necessary.
Avulsed Teeth
If a tooth is completely knocked-out of your mouth, time is of the essence. If this type of injury happens to you, pick up your tooth by the crown, or chewing portion. Try not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in water. Do not use soap or any other cleaning agent. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket and call us immediately.
Types of Dental Injuries
Chipped teeth account for most dental traumas. Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of each injury. When any dental injury occurs, the most important thing is to let us know immediately. The outcome, or prognosis, for your specific injury often depends upon how quickly we can examine, diagnose, and treat the injury.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you’re with someone whose tooth falls out due to an accident, try to locate the tooth. Then, put it into a small container filled with milk. This may help preserve the root. However, doing this does not guarantee the dentist will be able to save the tooth. Immediately call a dentist. In this type of situation, time is of the essence. For this reason, Dr. Fred Wong is available in dental emergencies. Although he may not finish the work all in one session, he should be able to make you comfortable and treat at least a portion of the tooth until more permanent work can be done.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.