Traumatic Dental Injuries
Dislodged and avulsed (knocked out) teeth are prevalent traumatic dental injuries. More than five million teeth are knocked out in the United States every year. Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A. offers expert treatments for traumatic dental injuries in Hickory NC and Statesville NC. When possible, they offer same-day appointments to repair your teeth. If you have a traumatic dental injury, call Dr. Nance, or make an appointment online.
Types Of Dental Trauma
Not all injuries look the same, and each requires a different approach. Common forms of traumatic dental injuries include:
- Chipped or fractured teeth: ranging from minor enamel breaks to deep cracks affecting the pulp.
- Displaced teeth: teeth that have been pushed sideways, into the socket, or partially out of place.
- Knocked-out teeth (avulsion): When a tooth is completely out of the socket.
- Root fractures: cracks beneath the gum line that may not be visible without advanced imaging.
Even when an injury looks minor, there may be hidden damage inside the tooth that only a specialist can detect.
How Endodontists Help After Trauma
Endodontists focus on saving natural teeth, and that includes injuries caused by sudden impact. With advanced imaging and microsurgical tools, they can evaluate the extent of the injury and provide treatments such as:
- Root canal therapy to remove damaged pulp and prevent infection
- Splinting to stabilize a loose or displaced tooth
- Surgical care to repair damage at the root or surrounding tissues
- Restorative support in coordination with your dentist for crowns or bonding after stabilization
The goal is always to relieve pain, prevent infection, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
Acting Quickly Makes The Difference
If you or someone you know experiences a dental injury, time is critical. A knocked-out tooth, for example, has the best chance of survival if it’s placed back in the socket immediately. If that’s not possible, storing it in milk or saliva and seeking professional care right away can make all the difference.
Even if a tooth seems only slightly chipped or loose, getting it evaluated quickly prevents small issues from turning into major complications.
Recovery And Long-Term Outlook
With proper treatment, many traumatized teeth can last for years, even for a lifetime. Follow-up visits are important to ensure the tooth heals properly and to monitor for delayed issues such as root resorption or infection. Endodontists provide ongoing care to help patients protect their teeth long after the initial injury.
Get Immediate Care For Dental Injuries
Dental trauma is never convenient, but fast, specialized care can preserve your natural teeth and prevent further problems. Our Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A. endodontists are uniquely trained to handle these emergencies with precision and compassion.
If you’ve suffered a dental injury, don’t wait—reach out today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Hickory NC or Statesville NC and give your tooth the best chance of survival.
Traumatic Dental Injuries Q & A
What are some of the common traumatic dental injuries?
Traumatic dental injuries are common in patients who play contact sports or who have been involved in car accidents. You might also sustain a dental injury in a slip-and-fall accident or from something as simple as biting down too hard.
- Dislodged teeth (tooth is pushed into its socket)
- Avulsed teeth (tooth is completely knocked out of its socket)
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Severe bleeding from the soft tissue in your mouth
Any traumatic damage to a tooth needs rapid attention from experts like Dr. Nance and his team.
