Traumatic dental injuries require immediate care. In severe or life-threatening cases, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department. For situations that are urgent, but not life-threatening, call Eagle Endodontics at 781-863-2453 to reach our Lexington office or 617-612-5677 to reach our Belmont office. During regular office hours we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. After hours we will assess the situation and act according to the degree of urgency.
What is Dental Trauma?
Dental trauma refers to injuries to the mouth, such as a knocked out or cracked tooth. These types of injuries are obvious and need to be treated immediately. But sometimes blunt force to the mouth can cause injuries that are not obvious, but may threaten the health of a tooth. You may notice symptoms later, such as discoloration or worsening pain.
Dental Injuries We Treat
At Eagle Endodontics we specialize in treatments that restore the health of teeth from the inside where the dental pulp resides. Dental pulp is the soft tissue at the center of each tooth containing blood vessels and nerves. The following injuries can compromise the health of the pulp:
- Knocked out tooth. A knocked out tooth can often be reinserted, but may still need endodontic treatment as well.
- Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth is at risk of infection, as bacteria can invade the tooth through the crack. Endodontic treatment can protect the tooth.
- Fractured tooth. If a large piece of a tooth breaks off, the tooth is in immediate danger. But with prompt treatment it can often be saved.
Signs You Need Emergency Endodontic Care
- Severe tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Visible damage to the tooth or gums.
- Swelling or bleeding in the affected area.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, contact us at Eagle Endodontics right away.
When is it a True Emergency?
The following situations are life-threatening and immediate action should be taken. Call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department in the case of:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
The Importance of Emergency Endodontic Care
The sooner dental trauma is treated, the greater the chances of saving the natural teeth. A knocked out tooth can often be saved when stored in milk or saliva, but it must be reinserted within one hour or it may not be salvageable. A cracked or broken tooth is at risk of infection and should be treated immediately to prevent pain and save the tooth.
Preventing Dental Trauma
Not all injuries can be prevented, but you can significantly reduce your personal risk by taking steps to protect your teeth.
- Wear a mouth guard when playing sports or doing activities that increase the risk of dental trauma.
- Wear a nightguard every night if you grind your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on hard items such as pens, pencils and ice.
- Don’t open containers or remove tags with your teeth.
What To Do in Case of Dental Trauma
If you find yourself or a loved one in a situation requiring urgent dental care, do not hesitate to seek treatment. In case of a knocked out tooth, place the tooth back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva (or use a tooth preservation kit) until you reach the dental office. For a fractured tooth, bring any pieces of the tooth with you that you can find, also storing them in milk or saliva.
At Eagle Endodontics we understand the urgency of your situation. We will make every possible effort to save your tooth or teeth using our training and expertise. Our compassionate and professional team will help you feel at ease and well cared for. Contact us right away and we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Trauma
Does a knocked out tooth need a root canal?
Often a tooth that has been knocked out and reinserted will need a root canal. This is due to internal damage resulting from the trauma.
What is the difference between a chip and a fracture?
A chip is usually a small corner or piece of a tooth that breaks off. A fracture is typically a larger portion of the tooth and is considered to be more serious. A chipped tooth can often wait until the next day, but a fractured tooth should be treated immediately.
Eagle Endodontics is equipped to handle dental trauma, providing prompt treatment that offers the best chance of saving teeth. Through our comprehensive endodontic services we provide the specialized care you need in an emergency. Call our Lexington office at 781-863-2453 or our Belmont office at 617-612-5677 . For non-emergencies, contact us today to schedule an appointment.