Dental Accident

Dental Accident- What should I do

Have your teeth or gums suffered from an accidental injury? If your tooth, or part of a tooth, has broken off or become damaged while you were playing sport, at home or in a different oral trauma, we know it can be very distressing.

Dental trauma refers to injuries to the teeth, gums, or other oral tissues. The types of dental trauma can range from minor chips or cracks in the teeth to severe damage that requires immediate emergency care.

According to the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), there are several types of dental trauma:

• Fractures: This refers to any break or cracks in the tooth or its root. There are different types of fractures, including enamel-only, enamel-dentin, and root fractures.
• Luxation injuries: This involves the tooth being pushed or pulled out of its normal position. Luxation injuries can be classified as subluxation (tooth is loose but still in position), lateral luxation (tooth is pushed to one side), intrusion (tooth is pushed into the jawbone), or extrusion (tooth is partially pushed out of the socket).

An avulsion is when the tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth.

Soft tissue injuries include injuries to the gums, tongue, and cheeks.

The dental Institute of dental trauma provides guidelines for managing dental trauma based on the severity of the injury.

These guidelines consider factors such as the type and extent of the injury, the age of the patient, and the time that has elapsed since the injury occurred. In addition, the guidelines provide recommendations for the immediate treatment of dental trauma and long-term management to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

It is essential to seek immediate dental care if you or someone you know experiences dental trauma. Prompt treatment can help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums and may improve the chances of saving a knocked-out tooth

At Tracey Bell, we are well known for our dental trauma care. As members of the International Institute of Dental Trauma, we follow worldwide guidelines to resolve all types of dental trauma and restore your smile.