Traumatic Endodontic Injuries
Our doctors and staff feel it is important to educate our patients on the types of traumatic injuries that frequently require endodontic treatment. Although the problems listed below may not be life-threatening, dental injuries can be extremely painful and greatly impact your daily life. Fortunately, we are capable of performing the appropriate endodontic treatments for your injury, protecting your oral health and helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
Cracked Tooth
Although a tooth's enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, our teeth are still susceptible to cracks from years of wear, tear and trauma. Cracks and fractures are not always easy to identify. In fact, it is very common that this form of injury is not noticeable through an X-ray. Although it is common for patients to experience increased sensitivity and pain while chewing, cracked teeth do not always hurt. Pain will only occur if the crack agitates the pulp lying within the tooth. Cracked teeth may be repaired through either restoration or a crown following a root canal procedure.
Dislodged Teeth
Upon injury, your tooth may be pushed inward, outward or sideways. In such cases it is critically important that you contact your general dentist immediately. The tooth will need to be properly repositioned as soon as possible. If there has been severe damage to the pulp of the tooth, your dentist may recommend you to our office for a root canal.
Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth is one that has been completely exited the socket. In order to save the tooth, it is vital that you visit a dentist as soon as possible, as the chances of saving the tooth diminishes every passing hour. Once the tooth has been knocked out, be sure to recover it, holding only the crown, not the root. Rinse the tooth, but do not excessively clean or handle it more than is necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket, holding it in place with gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place the tooth in a glass of milk until you arrive at the dentist. The doctor will then reinsert the tooth, and within 1-2 weeks, endodontic therapy will be required.
Apexogenisis, Apexification, Resoprtion
Our doctors are also capable of identifying and treating various traumas in immature teeth and mature teeth. Apexogenesis is a procedure typically performed on children whose pulp tissue has been damaged or infected and the root canal has not completely formed. Apexification is the method of inducing a calcified barrier at the apex of a non-vital tooth that has incomplete root formation. In cases of resorption, or when the body cells aggress and destroy parts of the tooth, causing the need for the removal of the tissue invading the root and chemical treatment to prevent reoccurrence.
Non-Vital Bleaching
If you are experiencing darkened teeth from dental trauma, we can help! We provide our patients with non-vital teeth bleaching to restore your teeth to their natural color, however, this form of treatment is capable of damaging the gum tissue around the tooth. To ensure accuracy and protect the surrounding teeth, we use a rubber sheet during treatment, exposing just the tooth that requires treatment.
Contact Us In Cases of Dental Trauma!
Dental trauma is no laughing matter. The above injuries can greatly damage your teeth or may require you to obtain an artificial tooth. If you happen to experience any of the above injuries contact us or your general dentist immediately. It is our priority to help you save and maintain your natural tooth.