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Dental trauma refers to trauma (injury) to the teeth and/or periodontium (gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), and nearby soft tissues such as the lips, tongue, etc. The study of dental trauma is called dental traumatology. The majority of dental trauma is tooth (crown) fracture, tooth avulsion, or tooth subluxation. A tooth may be forced laterally, out of, or into its socket during an accident. A tooth will be repositioned and stabilized by your endodontist or general dentist. Permanent teeth that have become displaced usually require root canal treatment which should begin several days after the trauma.

Close-up of smiling man with a knocked out tooth

Types of dental trauma

Chipped and cracked teeth

A chipped tooth is a frequent dental injury. Small chips need minimal treatment, like bonding with tooth-colored materials. Larger cracks exposing the tooth pulp may require root canal therapy.

Knocked-out teeth

A knocked-out tooth (avulsion) is a dental emergency. Saving the tooth is possible if acted upon quicklyโ€”ideally within 30โ€“40 minutes. Carefully rinse the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and place it back in the socket or store it in milk.

 

Dislodged or intruded teeth

Teeth that are pushed partially out (luxation) or jammed into the gum (intrusion) need immediate stabilization. Dentists can splint the affected teeth to allow proper healing.

Jaw and bone fractures

Trauma to the jaw or alveolar bone, which holds the teeth, requires specialized treatment. These injuries may involve significant pain, swelling, and changes in dental alignment.

Causes and risk factors

Diagram showing causes and risk factors of dental trauma

Accidents and sports injuries

Falls, car crashes, and contact sports like rugby and football are the most common causes of dental trauma.

Example: A child jumping on a trampoline at home landed awkwardly and knocked out two front teeth. Situations like this highlight the importance of protective supervision.

Physical alterations

Blunt-force trauma, such as in fights, can result in fractured or dislodged teeth.

Dental vulnerabilities

Weak enamel, untreated cavities, or dental malocclusions increase the risk of injury. Lip or tongue piercings can also make the teeth more vulnerable to fractures.

Immediate steps after dental trauma

Infographic on immediate actions for dental trauma

Knowing what to do immediately can help save a tooth and prevent further complications.

For knocked-out teeth

  • Find the tooth and hold it by the crown. Avoid touching the root.
  • Rinse gently using water. Do not scrub or use soap.
  • Reinsert the tooth into the socket, if possible, or store it in milk.
  • Seek emergency care as soon as possibleโ€”preferably within 30 minutes.

For fractured teeth

  • Collect any tooth fragments.
  • Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax to prevent cuts to the tongue or cheeks.
  • Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.

Pain and bleeding

Use clean gauze to control bleeding and over-the-counter pain relief for discomfort. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.

Managing dental injuries

Flowchart of dental trauma management processes

Our dental team at ๐Ÿฆท Forest & Ray ๐Ÿ˜Š specializes in providing comprehensive emergency dental care for dental injuries. From minor chips to severe fractures, we offer treatments that restore function and aesthetics.

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Why trust us?

๐Ÿฆท Forest & Ray ๐Ÿ˜Š's highly experienced dental team collectively holds over 108 years of expertise in dentistry, ensuring exceptional care and knowledge for our patients.

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๐Ÿฆท Forest & Ray ๐Ÿ˜Š is a private dentist in London (Holborn, Camden) practice offering a wide range of treatments (basically everything), same-day appointments 7 days a week and affordable prices. The key behind a beautiful smile is self confidence, and success. At Forest & Ray we ensure to help you to the best of our ability. If you place your trust in us, we will make sure you achieve your goals and maintain oral hygiene to the maximum of its capacity. Regardless of any age or condition, we promise painless treatments and a professional team.

Treatment options

Dental bonding: For minor chips or cracks, tooth-colored resin restores the toothโ€™s natural shape.

Root canal therapy: For fractures involving the pulp, root canal treatment removes damaged tissues and preserves the tooth structure.

Splinting: Dislodged teeth are stabilized with a custom splint to allow healing.

Tooth replacement: Severely damaged or missing teeth may require replacements such as dental implants or dental bridges.

Preventing dental trauma

While accidents cannot always be avoided, certain steps can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Protective gear

  • Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or engaging in high-risk activities.
  • Use helmets with face shields for added protection.

Safe habits

  • Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens.
  • Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.

Regular check-ups

Routine dental visits ensure that vulnerabilities such as cavities or misaligned teeth are addressed before they lead to injury.

Long-term effects of dental trauma

Infographic on long-term effects of dental trauma

Dental injuries can have lasting physical and emotional effects. Pain, tooth loss, and aesthetic changes may impact speech, chewing, and self-confidence.

Outlook and importance of prompt treatment

With dental trauma, time is critical. Immediate care ensures the best chance of saving injured teeth and preventing complications. At ๐Ÿฆท Forest & Ray ๐Ÿ˜Š, our priority is restoring your oral health and smile with personalized treatment.

If you or your loved one experiences dental trauma, do not hesitate to contact our clinic. Trust ๐Ÿฆท Forest & Ray ๐Ÿ˜Š to provide the care you need when it matters most.

About Forest & Ray

Forest & Ray is a private dentist in London (Holborn, Camden) offering a wide range of treatments (basically everything), same-day appointments 7 days a week and affordable prices. The key behind a beautiful smile is self confidence, and success. At Forest & Ray we ensure to help you to the best of our ability. If you place your trust in us, we will make sure you achieve your goals and maintain oral hygiene to the maximum of its capacity. Regardless of any age or condition, we promise painless treatments and a professional team.

Our services

General Dentist London
Orthodontist London
Tooth Replacement London
Cosmetic Dentist London
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