Call Us Right Away if You Experience Facial or Dental Trauma
Posted on 12/21/2020 by Dr McMurray
Facial and dental trauma can happen in many different ways. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and violent assaults are just some examples of incidents that frequently result in traumatic injuries to the teeth, jaw, and face. Read on to learn more about common types of dental and facial trauma and how they are treated.
Types of Facial and Dental Trauma
When you hear “facial trauma,” you might automatically think of serious injuries like a broken jaw, broken nose, or knocked-out tooth. While these are certainly all examples of facial or dental trauma, more minor injuries can also be considered traumatic and require emergency treatment. A chipped or cracked tooth does not always cause extreme pain, so you might assume that it does not need to be fixed. However, cracked teeth can be seriously harmful to your oral and overall health if left untreated. The fracture can spread down to the root of the tooth and damage the tooth pulp and soft gum tissue, bacteria can enter the crack and lead to tooth decay and gum disease, and you could develop an infection that can spread to other parts of your body and potentially be fatal. Cracked teeth are typically repaired with root canals, crown placement, or veneers.
Other examples of dental and facial trauma include knocked-out teeth, broken or dislocated jaws, and facial lacerations. Knocked-out teeth can sometimes be salvaged and stabilized using splints, or they can be replaced with dental implants, crowns, or bridges. Broken and dislocated jaws can sometimes be treated without surgery depending on their severity, but they often require surgery to stabilize and reposition the bones. For lacerations, nerve damage, and other trauma caused by accidents or assaults, surgery is usually necessary.
What to Do After a Traumatic Injury
Seeking medical attention for your injuries (and calling 911 if applicable) should be your first priority. Our team will examine the extent of your injuries and develop the appropriate treatment plan. If you experience facial or dental trauma, call our office right away.
Oral Surgeon Gilroy • About South Valley Oral & Facial Surgery We believe your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Give us a call in San Jose, Gilroy or Los Banos today! South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, 5595 Winfield Blvd, Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95123-1220 \ 408-479-9449 \ svofs.com \ 12/2/2024 \ Key Phrases: dental implants San Jose CA \
Facial and dental trauma can happen in many different ways. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and violent assaults are just some examples of incidents that frequently result in traumatic injuries to the teeth, jaw, and face. Read on to learn more about common types of dental and facial trauma and how they are treated.