When you experience trauma to the mouth, it’s important to seek dental treatment immediately to determine the type of treatment required. Dr. Isaac Perle and the team at Cambridge Dental Group will take x-rays and examine the area.
If you are experiencing pain due to a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to control the pain. If possible, make sure that you keep the part of the tooth that has broken off and bring it to your appointment.
If a tooth has been knocked out, you will want to find the tooth and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, Dr. Perle may be able to do a procedure known as reimplantation, where the tooth is reinserted into your jaw.
At Cambridge Dental Group, we see a variety of tooth injuries. Some of the most common injured tooth types that Dr. Perle and the team has treated include:
If the chip is small and you don’t have any pain, you have some control over when and how the tooth is repaired. Depending on the size, Dr. Perle will offer several options, including fillings, veneers, or a crown. If you have questions or concerns, Dr. Perle will be more than happy to explain these options to you. If a filling or artificial tooth is chipped, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth and do not address it quickly, it is susceptible to further damage. In some cases, a root canal can be done to save the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may require extraction. If the tooth enamel or dentin is affected, a crown is typically the best option. It’s important to note that a crack isn’t always visible, even with an x-ray.
Often, patients realize they have a cracked or broken tooth because they have pain when chewing and the tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and may also be sensitive to air. In many cases, these symptoms worsen over time.
If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, you must get to the clinic as soon as possible for reimplantation to be an option. First, you must find the tooth and pick it up without touching the root. You must only touch the crown of the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with saline solution or low-fat milk.
Try putting the tooth back in the socket or in the patients mouth between their gums and teeth to keep it moist. If this isn’t possible, place it in milk. Ideally, you will want to get to the office within the first 30 minutes- but reimplantation may still be possible if done within the hour.
In some cases, Dr. Perle may need to do a root canal 1 to 2 weeks after the tooth is stabilized in the jaw.
If a knocked-out tooth cannot be reimplanted or a tooth must be extracted, you will want to consider tooth replacement options. This will prevent issues with chewing and speaking in the future, as well as keep the remaining teeth from shifting, TMJ, and weakening of the jawbone. Some of the options we offer at Cambridge Dental Group include dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
A tooth injury may occur due to a single event or may be the result of long-term tooth grinding. If you grind your teeth, ask Dr. Perle about the option of wearing a mouthguard at night to cover your teeth and protect them from pressure and abrasion due to teeth grinding.
If you are involved in sports, you will need to wear a face mask and mouthguard. A sports mouthguard is different from one used for tooth grinding. As long as it’s worn properly and consistently, a sports mouthguard prevents lost teeth.
Whether you need a sports mouthguard or one to prevent damage from tooth grinding, Dr. Perle and the team at Cambridge Dental Care can custom-fit one for you.
An injured tooth can impact your smile. If you have an injured tooth, you will want to contact the office or click here to request an appointment. We are open Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
If you have a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, you’ll want to follow the instructions outlined above and get to the clinic as soon as possible. You may call us when you are on the way, and we will work to get you treated quickly.
