Mar
Dental Trauma: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Dental trauma is a physical injury caused to the teeth, alveolar bone holding the tooth sockets, gums, or soft tissues in the mouth. They may range from mild to some require immediate dental care. Several types of injuries are categorized as dental traumas. Join us as we explore these conditions, their symptoms, and the various treatment paths.
What is Dental Trauma?
Dental trauma refers to injuries affecting the teeth and surrounding tissues. This includes the periodontium, which supports and anchors the teeth and soft tissues. The periodontium is made up of cementum, gingival tissue, alveolar tissue, and periodontal ligament.
Now, let’s take a look at the different kinds of dental injuries, how serious they can be, and what can be done to fix them.
Types of Dental Traumas
Listed below are the various categories of dental traumatic injuries:
- Broken/Dislocated jaw
- Chipped Teeth
- Dislodged tooth, also known as luxation
- Cuts or lacerations in the soft tissues
- A tooth jammed into a socket
- Cracked Teeth
- Avulsed tooth (knocked out tooth)
| Type of Injury | Definition | Severity Level | When to Know It’s Serious or Mild |
| Broken/Dislocated Jaw | A fracture or displacement of the jawbone. | Severe | Serious if you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, inability to close your mouth, severe pain, or there is visible misalignment. |
| Chipped Teeth | A minor break in the enamel without affecting the root. | Mild to Moderate | Mild if only enamel is affected. If there is pain, bleeding, or sensitivity, you should seek immediate dental care |
| Dislodged Tooth (Luxation) | A tooth that is loosened but not completely out. | Moderate to Severe | Serious if the tooth becomes very loose or starts to hurt and bleed excessively. |
| Cuts/Lacerations in Soft Tissue | Wounds in gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks. | Mild to Severe | Consider it serious if a cut is deep and there is uncontrollable bleeding or difficulty speaking/eating occurs. |
| Tooth Jammed into Socket | A tooth pushed deeper into the socket (intrusion). | Severe | Serious if pain, bleeding, or inability to move the tooth occurs. |
| Cracked Teeth | A fracture in the tooth that may extend to the root. | Moderate to Severe | Serious if pain while chewing, sensitivity, or visible crack line appears. |
| Avulsed Tooth (Knocked Out) | A tooth completely out of its socket. | Severe | Always severe—seek immediate dental care to attempt re-implantation. |
What to Do If You Have Dental Trauma?
If you have dental trauma, the prior thing you should do is consult your dentist as they can guide you what to do about your situation. In case you don’t have a dentist, you should seek care from the nearest emergency dental clinic.
Though the table provided in the upper section can help you determine whether you need urgent treatment or can wait some time, it is always advisable to consult the dentist right away.
If you have to wait before seeing your dentist, here’s what you can do in the meantime.
1. If you’ve broken a tooth, carefully collect any fragments and take them to your dentist. For sharp or jagged edges on a tooth, apply orthodontic wax, which you can buy at most pharmacies.
2. So, if you’ve knocked a tooth out, first grab that tooth and give it a quick rinse in some clean water. Then, super carefully, try to pop it back into the hole it came out of. Just make sure you’re holding it by the top, not the root. If you are unable to do so, put it in a container and bring it to the appointment, as it can be replanted. But you only have a short window of time to perform this within 30 to 40 minutes approximately.
3. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be helpful.
4. You can also use an ice pack to soothe any swelling.
The Alarming Signs of Dental Trauma
The symptoms depend on the type of injury you have and its severity. Here are possible signs to look out for:
- Bleeding from your mouth
- Loose tooth
- Mouth pain
- Toothache
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving your jaw or opening your mouth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
FAQs
- How are dental injuries diagnosed?
A dentist will examine your mouth. They will take your dental X-rays and CT scans. These imaging tests will help you know about the extent of your injuries.
- How is dental trauma treated?
Different dental treatments are needed to cure dental injuries. Common dental trauma treatments include:
- Tooth extraction
- Root canal therapy
- Dental fillings and dental bonding
- Restabilization or replantation
- Tooth replacement
- How long does it take to heal dental trauma?
The healing time for dental trauma varies significantly depending on the type and severity of the injury. For example soft tissues injuries may heal within a week or two, dislodged or knocked out teeth can take weeks or even months to heal. For more details, book your free consultation with us.
- When should I go to the ER for dental trauma?
You should choose to go to the nearest emergency room if your dental trauma results in the following:
- Excessive bleeding that won’t stop.
- A broken jaw or other facial bones
- Severe pain
In Conclusion
Dental trauma encompasses a wide spectrum of injuries, from minor chips to severe fractures and avulsions. Understanding the different types of trauma, their symptoms, and the right treatment can help you get timely care. Identifying the red flags, knowing how to provide temporary first aid, and being aware of the available treatment options allow you to take proactive steps in managing dental trauma and preserving your smile.
While this blog post provides valuable information, it’s worth noting that prompt, professional dental evaluation is essential. Whether dealing with a seemingly minor chip or a knocked-out tooth, seek immediate consultation with Emergency Dental 365 and get timely care & prompt response.
