When many people think about car accidents, they likely imagine broken bones, head injuries and whiplash. They may not realize that dental injuries are quite common following a car crash and can negatively affect someone’s self-esteem. Here are the most common dental injuries from car accidents that you should be aware of.
Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely knocked out of its socket. If your tooth gets knocked out during a car accident, the dental professionals may advise you to pick it up by the crown and put it in a container with milk to keep it moist. Then, head to the dentist as soon as possible because you only have a couple of hours to return the tooth to its socket. If the tooth can’t be saved, a cosmetic dentist may suggest getting dental implants.
Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth is when a crack appears on your tooth. This type of dental injury can range from mild to severe and may necessitate a trip to the dentist’s office. A fractured tooth can cause sharp pain and sensitivity when consuming cold foods and beverages. Without proper treatment, a cracked tooth can lead to an infection. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of the fracture. For instance, if the crack is minor, bonding may be all that is needed to repair it. Dental bonding uses composite resin material to conceal cracks in the teeth.
Veneers and crowns may also be used to treat a fractured tooth. If the damage is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant.
Tooth Luxation
A tooth luxation occurs when a tooth is loosened, but does not come completely out in a car accident. The tooth can move around in its socket, which can cause severe pain. Your dentist will most likely try to reposition the tooth back into the socket. You may have to wear a splint to stabilize the tooth. If the pulp has been affected, you may require a root canal.
Common Symptoms to Pay Attention to
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to pay attention to signs of tooth injury. One of the most common and obvious signs of dental injury is pain. If you feel pain in your teeth, gums or jaw, you have likely hurt a tooth and should see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you may use over-the-counter pain medication to temporarily subside the pain.
If your tooth is chipped, broken, loose or completely knocked out, it is also important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Another sign of dental injury is impaired jaw function. You may experience difficulty chewing, jaw pain and a clicking sound.
If you sustained a dental injury in a car accident, you may want to contact a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options. A lawyer from Car Accident Info can help.