Treating Traumatic Injuries at First Choice Dental of NJ
When an Injury Affects Your Teeth
Dental injuries can occur even when oral hygiene and care are consistently maintained. In such situations, seeking prompt professional evaluation is important, as timely treatment may allow the dentist to preserve the damaged tooth or teeth.
Dislodged Teeth
When a mouth injury drives a tooth deeper into its socket, repositioning and stabilizing the affected tooth may be possible, though root canal treatment will most likely be required to preserve it. This procedure is generally performed within a few weeks following the injury. Calcium hydroxide or a similar medication is placed inside the tooth during this process, and a permanent root canal filling is subsequently placed to complete the treatment.
When a tooth has been partially displaced from its socket, stabilization may be performed, and if the pulp remains intact, no additional treatment may be necessary. However, pulp damage would require root canal treatment to address the injury. Without intervention, potential complications include infection of the tooth and surrounding tissue, compromised oral hygiene, and eventual tooth loss.
Avulsed Teeth
A tooth that has been completely knocked out requires prompt dental attention. Keeping the tooth moist is essential — the preferred method is repositioning it in its socket. When moisture is maintained and the patient arrives quickly, the tooth can often be preserved. If reinsertion into the socket is not feasible, milk serves as an appropriate storage medium. The root should not be handled or cleaned, as contact can cause damage that compromises the tooth. Both the duration the tooth remains outside the mouth and the storage conditions will influence what treatment options are available.
Let Dr. Donn Save Your Tooth
When a tooth sustains traumatic injury, prompt response from the patient and clinical expertise from Dr. Donn both play essential roles in achieving the best possible outcome. For guidance on how to respond to a mouth injury, contact our office at 856-424-7477.