The 3 Most Common Types of Tooth Injuries

The 3 Most Common Types of Tooth Injuries

Most of us know about the common dangers our teeth face such as cavities and gum disease.  But there are also external dangers to be aware of, especially if you are active in sports or other physical activities.  Fortunately, nearly all tooth injuries can be treated by your dentist.  Here are the three most common types of tooth injuries to be aware of and the ways to prevent and treat them.

Cracked Teeth

This type of tooth injury occurs when a part of the tooth has been broken but the root is still firmly in place.  There are varying degrees of cracked teeth and they can sometimes go unnoticed for a long time.  If you are experiencing pain when eating, you may have a cracked tooth that you can’t see with the naked eye.  Cracked teeth are a common injury for athletes that sustain a blow to the face and can be prevented by wearing a mouth guard.  If you have a cracked tooth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.  Your dentist will be able to treat the crack with a dental crown or cap, and will be able to identify if there is any further damage to the tooth.

Fractured Roots

A more severe blow to the mouth or impact that comes from the wrong angle can cause not only a cracked tooth, but a fractured root.  This happens when a crack in the root of the tooth travels towards the tooth’s surface.  Sometimes root fractures begin under the surface of the tooth and go unnoticed until they become infected.  If you experienced some sort of traumatic blow to the mouth and are now experiencing pain in your teeth, see your dentist immediately.  Unfortunately a tooth with a fractured root cannot be saved and will need to be extracted.  However, your dentist can talk to you about options for replacing the tooth. 

Tooth Dislocation or Knock Out

Although your teeth are surprisingly tough, if your mouth is hit hard enough your teeth can get dislocated or knocked out completely.  A dislocation happens when your teeth are moved in an irregular way in the socket.  If this happens to you, go see your dentist immediately.  There is a possibility that your dentist may be able to reposition and stabilize the tooth by splinting it to your other teeth.  It may also be recommended for you to get a root canal to prevent infection.  If your tooth is completely knocked out, it is still crucial that you see your dentist as soon as possible.  Your dentist will take measures to ensure the surrounding teeth are protected and that there is no infection in your mouth.  Your dentist will also be able to walk you through your cosmetic options.

No matter what kind of tooth injury you have sustained, don’t hesitate to call us at Cornerstone Family Dentistry today so we can help ease your pain and give you a healthy and confident smile!

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