Dental injuries and dental emergencies are often very distressing, and they are also extremely common. Approximately one third of children have experienced some type of dental trauma, and more have experienced a dental emergency.

These are some of the most common dental emergencies, and some helpful advice on how to deal with them.

Toothache

Toothache is common in people of all ages and rarely occurs without cause. If pain persists, contact Lifesmiles Family Dentistry.. Some common causes of toothache include: tooth fractures, tooth decay, tooth trauma, and wisdom teeth eruption, which is common in adolescence.

Dental Avulsion (knocked-out tooth)

If a tooth has been knocked-out of the mouth completely, it is important to contact Lifesmiles Family Dentistry immediately. In general, Dr. Gawlik will not attempt to reimplant avulsed primary (baby) teeth, because the reimplantation procedure itself can cause damage to the tooth bud, and thereby damage the emerging permanent tooth.

Dr. Gawlik will always attempt to reimplant avulsed permanent teeth, unless the trauma has caused irreparable damage. The reimplantation procedure is almost always more successful if it is performed quickly, so time is of the essence!

Dental Intrusion (tooth pushed into jawbone)

Sometimes, dental trauma forces a tooth (or several teeth) upwards into the jawbone. Every situation is unique. Often times, the force of the trauma is great enough to injure the tooth’s ligament and fracture its socket.

If dental intrusion of either the primary or permanent teeth is suspected, it is important to contact Lifesmiles Family Dentistry immediately. Depending on the nature and depth of the intrusion, Dr. Gawlik may wait for the tooth to descend naturally, or perform root canal therapy to preserve the structure of the tooth.

Tooth Luxation/Extrusion/Lateral displacement (tooth displacement)

Tooth displacement is generally classified as “luxation,” “extrusion,” or “lateral displacement,” depending on the orientation of the tooth following trauma. A luxated tooth remains in the socket – with the pulp intact about half of the time. However, the tooth protrudes at an unnatural angle and the underlying jawbone is sometimes fractured.

The term “extrusion” refers to a tooth that has become partly removed from its socket. In young children, primary tooth extrusions tend to heal themselves without medical treatment. However, dental treatment should be sought for permanent teeth that have been displaced in any manner in order to save the tooth and prevent infection. It is important to contact Lifesmiles Family Dentistry if displacement is suspected.

Crown Fracture

The crown is the largest, most visible part of the tooth. In most cases, the crown is the part of the tooth that sustains trauma. There are several classifications of crown fracture, ranging from minor enamel cracks (not an emergency) to pulp exposure (requiring immediate treatment).

Dr. John Gawlik will assess the severity of the fracture using dental X-rays, but any change in tooth color (for example, pinkish or yellowish tinges inside the tooth) is an emergency warning sign. Minor crown fractures often warrant the application of dental sealant, whereas more severe crown fractures sometimes require pulp treatments. In the case of crown fracture, you should contact us immediately. Jagged enamel can irritate and inflame soft oral tissues, causing infection.

Root Fracture

A root fracture is caused by direct trauma, and isn’t noticeable to the naked eye. If a root fracture is suspected, dental x-rays need to be taken. Depending on the exact positioning of the fracture and the level of discomfort, the tooth can be monitored, treated, or extracted as a worse case scenario.

Dental Concussion

A tooth that has not been dislodged from its socket or fractured, but has received a bang or knock, can be described as “concussed.” Dental concussion can cause the tooth to discolor permanently or temporarily. If the tooth turns black or dark, this is an indication that the tooth is dying and may require root canal therapy.

Injured cheek, lip or tongue

If the cheek, lip or tongue is bleeding due to an accidental cut or bite, apply firm direct pressure to the area using a clean cloth or gauze. To reduce swelling, apply ice to the affected areas. If the bleeding becomes uncontrollable, proceed to the Emergency Room or call a medical professional immediately.

Fractured Jaw

If a broken or fractured jaw is suspected, proceed immediately to the Emergency Room. In the meantime, encourage the injured not to move the jaw. In the case of a very young child, gently tie a scarf lengthways around the head and jaw to prevent movement.

Head Injury/Head Trauma

If someone has received trauma to the head, proceed immediately to the Emergency Room. Even if consciousness has not been lost, it is important for doctors to rule out delayed concussion and internal bleeding.

If you have questions about dental emergencies for you or your child, please contact us at Lifesmiles Family Dentistry. We are located in Bloomington, MN, and are convenient to Edina, Eden Prairie, Richfield and Minneapolis

We are committed to seeing dental emergencies that very day, whenever possible.