Treatment options for tooth injuries

The moments following facial trauma or injury can be frightening and uncertain. How much damage was done? If there is bleeding and severe pain, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin. Sometimes, trauma to the mouth or face leaves no visible marks at all, only lingering discomfort and sensitivity. It may be impossible to predict and prevent an unexpected traumatic event, but being prepared to deal with the resulting injuries can go a long way towards a speedy recovery.

The first step towards dealing with a dental injury is to develop a good relationship with a dentist with experience in traumatic injuries. For instance, select a sedation dentist in Charlottesville who is experienced in oral surgery, tooth extractions, dental implants, and facial trauma. By selecting and meeting a dental specialist in advance, you can avoid the stress of thumbing through the telephone listings during an emergency in hopes of obtaining a new patient appointment.

Whenever possible, it is best to try and save your natural teeth, even when the tooth has been knocked out. An avulsed tooth (completely out of the socket), can be gently rinsed and immediately placed into the socket with a high probability for success. Severely fractured teeth can often be saved with the assistance of root canal therapy and/or a dental crown.

In the unfortunate circumstance where a tooth cannot be saved, a tooth extraction may be the best option. For patients who are especially apprehensive, a sedation dentist is specially trained to use commonly prescribed medications to aid in relaxation.

It is extremely important to make plans to replace the tooth as soon as possible, generally with a dental implant. Implants are the most conservative and effective tooth replacement solution available. In some instances, implants can be placed immediately after a tooth is extracted. In other cases, it may be necessary to allow the extraction site to heal prior to placing the implant.

When there has been trauma to the mouth or facial trauma it is relieving to know that there are options to restore your smile. Whether the injury was caused by a car accident, contact sports, or a fall, your injuries can be addressed with expertise. If you have questions about a tooth injury, call us for an appointment today.

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