Bounce back quickly from traumatic dental injuries with expert emergency care

One key to successfully reinserting and reimplanting the tooth is “timing.” It is essential to contact us right away so Dr. Westmoreland can immediately attempt to reroot it. We have the greatest chance of successfully saving the tooth if it can be treated within 30 minutes of the injury occurring.

Teeth that are broken or fractured may be preserved when treated appropriately before the effects of the fracture progress. Generally, any injury that does not affect the innermost pulp tissue may be treated with less extensive therapies; for instance, a fractured tooth may be held together with a dental restoration like a crown. For injured teeth with damage (inflammation or infection) to the pulp, root canal therapy or other endodontic procedures may help you avoid extraction and tooth loss.

There are many options! Wes Park Family Dentistry will discuss ways to replace the lost tooth promptly. Our team in Perry, Georgia, has the in-house expertise and capabilities to provide state-of-the-art tooth replacement with dental implants. It is essential to fill these gaps before the bone in your jaw begins to retreat, which can worsen the cosmetic and functional effects of tooth loss. By replacing teeth, we not only restore the appearance of your smile but also keep the supportive bone in the jaw strong and healthy.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. We can repair minor chips and cracks with tooth-colored fillings. Significant damage could require crowns, splinting, or root canal therapy. Our goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. However, sometimes your tooth may be non-restorable. In such cases, we’ll recommend extraction and replacement with an implant.

That is for your dentist to determine. Not every injury causes immediate pain, but that doesn’t mean treatment isn’t necessary. Even small cracks or loosened teeth can worsen over time if left untreated. Professional care helps prevent infection, tooth loss, and future complications.

In some cases, yes, especially when care is received quickly. A partially or fully dislodged tooth has the best chance of survival when treated promptly, typically within 60 minutes. If we can’t save your tooth, we’ll recommend replacing it with an implant.

Factors that affect the long-term health of your tooth include the nature of the injury and the treatment involved. Some injuries require follow-up visits to monitor healing or complete treatment. Your dentist may also give you specific care instructions, such as avoiding hard foods or using a protective appliance while the tooth stabilizes.

Timelines vary. We can administer procedures such as tooth fillings in a single visit. Procedures such as dental crowns may require multiple appointments over several weeks. Your dentist will outline the expected timeline during your consultation.

Costs depend on the extent of the injury and the treatment needed. We’ll provide a cost breakdown during your consultation. Remember, addressing dental trauma early often reduces the need for more complex and expensive procedures later. So, act now before the problem worsens.

Treatment for traumatic dental injuries is deemed medically necessary, so it is likely covered by insurance. However, coverage varies by policy. Our team will help review your coverage and understand any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

The best problems are those that never occur. While you can’t prevent accidents 100%, you can reduce their frequency and severity. Follow the steps below to reduce the risk of traumatic dental injuries:

• Wear a custom mouthguard during sports
• Avoid using your teeth to chew or bite non-food items
• Always use a seatbelt when driving
• Consider a tailor-made nightguard if you grind your teeth at night

Preventive steps go a long way in protecting your smile.