Dental Trauma

Repair Oral Health and Aesthetics After Injury

Accidents happen, and when they involve your mouth, it can be a frightening experience. Dr. Young Jun and the YJ OMS Dental Implants & Oral Surgery team are fully equipped to treat dental trauma fast, safely, and with outstanding results. 

What is Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma refers to any injury to the teeth, gums, or surrounding facial structures. Whether it's a chipped tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or a soft tissue injury, prompt action is crucial to minimizing damage and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Some of the most common instances of dental trauma include:

Chipped or fractured teeth: This can range from a minor chip to a severe fracture that exposes the inner layers of the tooth.

Dislodged teeth: A tooth may be pushed out of its normal position or become partially loose.

Knocked-out teeth (avulsion): A tooth is completely knocked out of its socket.

Root fractures: The root of the tooth is cracked or broken.

Soft tissue injuries: Cuts, tears, or bruising to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue.

How Do You Treat Dental Trauma?

The treatment for dental trauma will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. If you’ve experienced dental trauma, we will perform a thorough analysis and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

• Bonding: For chipped or fractured teeth, bonding can repair the damage and restore the tooth's appearance.
• Root canal therapy: If the inner part of the tooth is damaged, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
• Splinting: For dislodged teeth, splinting can help stabilize the tooth while it heals.
• Dental implants: If a tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant can replace it.
• Sutures: For soft tissue injuries, sutures may be needed to close the wound.

Sometimes, we will elect to leave dental trauma in children untreated because they will get a new set of teeth as they get older. For adults—who do not enjoy the same luxury—dental trauma is best treated immediately. 

How to Prevent Dental Trauma

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma. One of the most effective preventive measures is wearing a mouthguard. Whether you're playing sports or engaging in recreational activities that pose a risk to your teeth, a custom-fitted mouthguard acts as a protective barrier, absorbing impact and minimizing the potential for damage. Our office is fully equipped to help build you a comfortable and effective mouthguard that will keep your teeth safe both on and off the field.  

In addition to mouthguards, it's essential to avoid chewing on hard objects. Habits like chewing on ice, hard candy, or pens can put excessive stress on your teeth, leading to chips, fractures, or even breaks. Finally, maintaining good oral hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing complications from dental trauma. Healthy teeth and gums are more resilient and better equipped to withstand injury. By practicing diligent oral care, you can minimize the risk of infection and promote faster healing should an accident occur.

What Should I Do if My Tooth Is Knocked Out?

There may be a chance to save your tooth if you follow our instructions closely. Pick up the tooth, but avoid touching the tooth root directly. Try to place the tooth back into its socket and press down gently. Biting down on a wet tea bag is a good way to keep the tooth in place. If the tooth will not remain in place, keep the tooth in your mouth inside your cheek or, as a last resort, in a glass of milk. In desperate circumstances, water can be used instead of milk. When you have found the best way to maintain the status of your tooth, visit our office immediately. Outside working hours, please visit your local emergency room for immediate care.