Dental trauma refers to sudden impact or injury to the teeth, gums, tissues, or bones that support your teeth. While it’s more common in younger individuals due to their active lifestyles, dental trauma can occur at any age and in any activity level. Accidents happen!
Common Causes of Dental Trauma
Dental trauma can result from a variety of situations, including:
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Car accidents
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Workplace accidents
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Slips and falls
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Sports injuries
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Physical violence
If you experience dental trauma, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately! Proper treatment can make the difference between saving or losing your tooth. At Desert Pearl Dentistry, we’re ready to help restore the normal function and appearance of your injured tooth and surrounding area.
Sports Injuries
Many sports involve high-velocity impacts with players or equipment (think sticks, balls, etc.). To reduce the risk of dental injuries, wearing a mouthguard is highly recommended. Mouthguards protect your teeth, gums, jaw, and tongue. If you participate in contact sports, contact us to schedule a mouthguard fitting to help prevent injury.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Chipped or broken teeth are the most common types of dental injuries. If this happens, Desert Pearl Dentistry recommends you call us immediately! The sooner you seek treatment (ideally within 12 hours of injury), the better the results. Try to recover as many pieces of the tooth as you can and bring them with you. We’ll attempt to reattach the pieces, and if that’s not possible, we’ll provide options to restore your tooth.
Avulsed (Knocked Out) Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, follow these important steps:
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Locate the tooth and rinse it gently with water. Be careful not to touch the root.
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Reposition the tooth: If possible, try placing the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place with your finger or gently bite down on a piece of gauze or a teabag.
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If you can’t place the tooth back, keep it in your mouth between your cheek and tongue, or place it in a plastic bag with cold milk or your saliva. DO NOT use tap water, as this can damage the root.
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Get to our office quickly: Ideally, we want to see you within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. The quicker you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth!
This advice applies to both loose and knocked-out teeth. If a tooth is loose, immediate action can often save it!
Here to Help with Damaged Teeth!
Dental injuries can be frightening, but Desert Pearl Dentistry is here to provide the care you need in emergencies. Our team is ready to help you recover from your injury, offering the best solutions to restore your smile.
For urgent care, contact us immediately with any concerns, and we’ll guide you through the process!
