There are a variety of reasons why a traumatic dental injury might occur, from sports injuries to car accidents. Dental trauma may cause moderate-to-severe injuries depending on the intensity of the impact. Many traumatic dental injuries can be treated with the help of an experienced oral surgeon.

The 3 most common causes of traumatic dental injuries

Despite the fact that there are countless causes of traumatic dental injuries, many of them fall into similar categories. The following are some of the most common causes of traumatic dental injuries:

Injuries sustained in sports

It is not necessary to participate in a professional contact sport such as football or rugby to be susceptible to traumatic dental injuries. A significant number of dental injuries occur in basketball as a result of contact with other players. You can protect yourself from injury by wearing a mouthguard, whether you are playing on a court or in your backyard.

Automobile accidents

Dental trauma and devastating impacts can result from car accidents. If used properly, standard safety features such as airbags and seatbelts can mitigate the severity of accident-related injuries. Unfortunately, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians cannot take advantage of these safety features and are at a much higher risk of suffering serious injuries as a result.

Violence

Fighting between children and adults is a leading cause of traumatic dental injuries. It is unfortunate but common for the face to be a target during such altercations. An individual may lose a tooth or suffer other traumatic oral injuries if they are punched or slapped with considerable force.

What Is the Treatment for Traumatic Dental Injuries?

When treating a traumatic dental injury, it is important to consider the type of injury you have sustained. Traumatic dental injuries and their treatment include the following:

• Fractured teeth: If the inner pulp of your tooth is damaged due to a fracture, your dentist may need to perform a root canal to repair the damage. 
• Loose tooth: In the case of a loose tooth, your dentist may immobilize it with a split or bond it to the next tooth. While the tissues in your mouth heal, this immobilization can help stabilize them.
• Broken teeth: Chipped or broken teeth can be stabilized with a crown. Porcelain or metal coverings can protect your teeth from further damage. 
• Knocked-out tooth: It is imperative to seek emergency dental care if you have a knocked-out tooth. You should clean the tooth, wet it, and replace it in the socket if you have it. While waiting for the dentist, you may be able to hold the tooth in place by biting on a handkerchief. A dentist should be contacted within an hour of the injury in order to have the best chance of saving the tooth.

In order to ensure your oral health, your doctor will diagnose your injury and provide you with the best treatment.

To meet our patients’ unique oral health needs, we use the latest and most innovative technology in our oral surgery office. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Oral surgery during pregnancy is one of the most frequently asked questions. Pregnant women are naturally concerned about their baby’s health and do not want to take any risks. Whenever you need oral surgery and are pregnant, this is always something to discuss. 

Pregnant women are typically not advised to undergo oral surgery, and we are committed to protecting the health of your child. During pregnancy, we avoid both general anesthesia and sedation, and will only use local anesthesia. According to a study conducted by the American Dental Association, local anesthetics do not harm an unborn child. 

Is it important which trimester I am in? 

The stage of a patient’s pregnancy is another factor we consider. First and second trimesters are usually safe for oral surgery that does not require sedation. The third trimester is a risky time for surgery when pregnant, so we avoid all procedures during this time. 

Our team works closely with you to determine what is truly medically necessary, and we recommend postponing surgery until after the baby is born if you need oral surgery. 

Can Oral Surgery Be Done Before Pregnancy? 

If you are actively trying to conceive, we always recommend you visit our office to ensure you have no health issues. This way, we can determine if any issues need immediate attention and what can wait until after the baby is born. Our office encourages our patients to schedule any oral surgery as soon as possible, so they won’t have to worry during pregnancy. 

Is it a good idea to postpone oral surgery until after childbirth? 

It is always recommended to wait until after childbirth if you are pregnant and need oral surgery. Oral surgery is only recommended when the mother’s health is at risk. Surgery is always avoided during the third trimester and every precaution is taken. Our top priority is the health and well-being of you and your child. There is usually no immediate need to perform surgery during pregnancy, and most oral surgeries can be postponed. 

During pregnancy, we recommend patients see their dentist for their regular exams and cleanings so they can ensure everything looks and feels great. A dental x-ray may be taken during your exam to examine your mouth and jaw more closely. The use of X-rays during pregnancy is safe, and at a low radiation level, there is no risk to the developing fetus. The patient is required to wear a shield during x-rays, which provides an additional level of protection. 

Whether you are actively trying to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, your health is our top priority. Each member of our oral surgery team works hard to ensure your safety, and we are here to help you every step of the way. 

Have any other questions about pregnancy and oral surgery? 

If you think you need to be seen and would like to schedule an appointment, we recommend that you visit our office. Our staff will be happy to provide you with an assessment and work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs during your pregnancy. Any questions you may have can be answered by our knowledgeable staff. 

Please contact our oral surgery office to schedule a consultation. We are happy to help!