TREATMENT FOR DENTAL TRAUMA
WHAT IS DENTAL TRAUMA AND HOW IS IT TREATED
Dental trauma refers to injuries to the teeth, gums, or mouth, including tooth fractures, avulsions (tooth knocked out), dislocations, and soft tissue injuries, that can result from various events, such as accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical altercations. Damage to your teeth, gums, and the supporting bone structure, can lead to pain, discomfort, and other dental complications. The treatment of dental trauma depends on the extent, severity, and type of injury, and it may require immediate emergency dental care. At Woodbourne Dental, our experienced dentists are committed to providing high-quality dental care. We understand that dental trauma can be a distressing experience, which is why we offer a range of treatments to restore your teeth and oral health function.
WHAT IS DENTAL TRAUMA?
Dental trauma is any injury that affects the teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure. It can range from a mild chipped tooth to a severe tooth fracture, avulsion (complete displacement), or luxation (partial displacement). Some of the common causes of dental trauma include falls, sports injuries, accidents, and other types of traumas. Dental trauma can cause pain, sensitivity, bleeding, swelling, and other complications that require immediate attention and emergency dental care. It's important to note that if you experience dental trauma, you should seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and complications.
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TREATMENTS FOR DENTAL TRAUMA?
The treatment for dental trauma depends on the severity and type of injury. It is important to seek prompt dental care to prevent further damage and minimise the long-term impact on oral health. In general, there are two types of dental trauma: enamel-dentin trauma and pulp trauma. Enamel-dentin trauma is when the injury affects the outer layer of the tooth, while pulp trauma affects the inner layer of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Depending on the type of trauma, treatment options for dental trauma may include restorative dentistry, root canal therapy, orthodontic treatment, and surgery:
1. Enamel-Dentin Trauma:
-
Chipped Tooth: If your tooth is chipped, your dentist may be able to repair it using dental bonding or dental veneers. These treatments can restore the appearance of your tooth and prevent further damage.
-
Cracked or Fractured Tooth: If your tooth is cracked or fractured, your dentist may recommend a dental crown or a root canal treatment, depending on the severity of the injury.
-
Displaced Tooth: If your tooth is partially displaced, your dentist may be able to reposition it back into place. In some cases, a splint may be required to hold the tooth in place while it heals.
2. Pulp Trauma:
-
Root Canal Treatment: If your tooth has pulp trauma, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. This involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canal, and filling it with a dental material.
-
Tooth Extraction: In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged, infected or there is no hope of saving it, tooth extraction may be the only option.