Dental trauma doesn’t wait for a convenient time, and it rarely comes with clear instructions. Most people aren’t sure whether to call their dentist, head to the ER, or wait and see. That hesitation can end up affecting long-term oral health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, nearly 1 billion people worldwide suffer from oral-dental trauma. To make things even more challenging, the rising cost of dental care has many Americans delaying necessary treatment. 

Research shows that after adjusting for inflation, dental spending in 2023 increased by $4 billion, representing a 2.5% jump from 2022. The truth is, quick action matters, but only if you know what to do.

In this article, we will discuss how dental professionals treat different types of tooth trauma and what options are available to restore damaged teeth.

Common Causes of Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma can happen in ways most people don’t expect. Some causes are obvious, others less so. Either way, the damage tends to escalate when left untreated.

Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma is one of the most common reasons for tooth injuries. It can lead to chipped enamel, cracked roots, or complete tooth displacement (avulsed tooth).

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Nerve exposure
• Gum damage
• Jaw fracture
  

Common sources of blunt force trauma to the teeth include physical attacks, falls, and car accidents. Traumatic dental injuries are a frequent consequence of highway collisions. Every year, passengers driving through major highways like the I-540 or the I-49 in Rogers, Arkansas, sustain serious dental trauma alongside other injuries.

Just a few months ago, two accidents on I-49 caused traffic blocks and multiple injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash and suffered severe dental trauma or other injuries, you may want to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Rogers, Arkansas.

According to Keith Law Group, many Northwest Arkansas (NWA) attorneys specializing in car accident cases work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless your lawyer succeeds in getting you the justice you deserve.

Sports-Related Injuries

Athletic activities account for a significant portion of dental emergencies, especially among teens and young adults. Contact sports pose the highest risk, but even non-contact activities can result in tooth damage. Proper protective gear can significantly reduce injury rates. 

Chewing Hard Objects

Many people damage their teeth by biting down on objects that are too hard for their tooth enamel to withstand. Ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and hard candy frequently cause chips and cracks. These injuries often seem minor at first, but can worsen over time. What starts as a small chip can eventually require a crown or root canal treatment.

What Dentists Can Do to Treat Tooth Trauma

There are many treatment options available depending on the severity and type of dental injury. Each approach targets specific problems, from saving a knocked-out tooth to rebuilding severely damaged structures. 

The key is matching the right treatment to your particular situation. Some procedures work best when performed immediately, while others can be scheduled after the initial emergency care. 

Here are the most common treatment options dentists use to address traumatic dental injury: 

Emergency Tooth Reimplantation

When a tooth gets completely knocked out, dentists can often save it through reimplantation. The procedure works best when performed within 30 minutes of the injury. 

Dentists clean the tooth socket, position the tooth back in place, and secure it with splints. Success rates drop significantly after the first hour, but attempts can still work up to 24 hours later.

Root Canal Therapy

Severe trauma often damages the tooth’s inner pulp, requiring root canal treatment to save the tooth. Dentists remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth and seal the space with filling material. 

This procedure allows patients to keep their natural teeth rather than having them extracted. Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments.

Dental Crowns and Caps

Fractured teeth that can’t be fixed with simple fillings often need crowns for protection and restoration. Crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Modern crowns are made from materials that match natural tooth color perfectly. The process typically requires two visits to complete the crown fabrication and placement.

Tooth Splinting

Loose teeth from trauma can often be saved through splinting techniques. Dentists use wire or composite resin to attach the injured tooth to neighboring stable teeth. This holds the damaged tooth in position while the supporting structures heal. Splints usually stay in place for several weeks, depending on the injury severity.

Extraction and Replacement Options

When teeth can’t be saved, dentists focus on replacement solutions to restore function and appearance. Dental implants provide the most natural-feeling replacement option for single teeth. Bridges work well when adjacent teeth also need restoration. Partial dentures offer an economical solution for multiple missing teeth in the same area.

These treatment options cover most dental trauma situations, though your specific case may require a combination of approaches. The good news is that modern techniques give dentists many ways to restore damaged teeth and maintain your oral health.

A Word on Insurance Coverage for Dental Trauma

Dental emergencies often come with unexpected costs, so knowing your insurance benefits beforehand can help reduce financial stress. According to Forbes research, comprehensive dental insurance policies average $52 monthly, while basic preventive plans cost around $26 per month. 

Many emergency procedures fall under major services, which typically have different coverage levels than routine cleanings. Contact your insurance provider to understand what trauma treatments are covered under your specific plan.

The Path to Recovery

Dental trauma can feel unnerving, especially when you’re dealing with pain and uncertainty about costs. However, understanding your treatment options helps you make informed decisions about your care. 

Early intervention always leads to better outcomes, so don’t delay seeking professional evaluation. While every case is different, many people do recover good function and comfort after dental injuries.

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