Traumatic dental injuries encompass a range of dental issues resulting from accidents or trauma. These injuries can include avulsed teeth (teeth that have been completely knocked out), dislodged teeth (teeth that have been pushed out of their original position), and dental injuries in children. These situations can be painful and distressing, but timely and specialized endodontic treatment can often save the affected teeth and restore your oral health.
Benefits of Treatment
- Preservation of the natural tooth: We can often save and restore teeth that might otherwise be lost.
- Pain relief: Traumatic dental injuries can cause severe pain. Endodontic treatment eliminates discomfort by addressing the underlying issue.
- Preventing future complications: Timely and precise treatment prevents further dental problems from arising.
Patient Resources
Endodontic Evaluation
Initial Assessment
Your treatment for a traumatic dental injury begins with an initial assessment at our clinic. Our experienced endodontist will review your dental history, discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, and perform a comprehensive examination. This assessment helps us determine the extent of the crack and whether endodontic treatment is the appropriate solution.
Discussion and Treatment Planning
Following the evaluation, we will discuss the findings with you, explaining the recommended treatment procedure, expected outcomes, and any alternative treatment options. Your input and questions are essential in shaping your personalized treatment plan.
Dislodged and Avulsed Teeth
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Your endodontist or general dentist may 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, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be implanted.
Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, your endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. Yet, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required.
Avulsed Teeth
If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt.) Your Endodontist may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive.
Dental Injuries in Children
Apexogenesis
This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth.
Apexification
In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Recovery
After Endodontic Treatment for traumatic dental injuries, you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, which is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs. We will provide you with post-treatment care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Long-Term Benefits
Over time, you’ll experience significant relief from dental pain as the tooth heals. Endodontic treatment not only saves your natural tooth but also restores your dental health and function, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free smile for years to come.
Endodontic Specialist Video
We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss traumatic dental injury care further
Our compassionate staff will address any concerns you may have, explain the procedure in more detail, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a saving your natural teeth.