Did you know that there are 160,000 car accidents each year in Canada? If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be involved in one, you know the ongoing pain that they can cause.
But as well as broken bones, whiplash, and concussion, there’s another serious danger we can easily overlook after an accident. Damage to our teeth can occur for a variety of reasons and can have long-term consequences.
Even if your teeth are not broken or chipped, it’s important to see an emergency dentist in Aurora as soon as possible after an accident. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why.
Tooth or Jaw Pain
After an accident, your teeth might look fine. But as the hours go by, you may find that toothache sets in. This may come with a headache, or pain in your jaw or gums.
It’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They can order x-rays and scans that may reveal damage that has occurred below the surface. Prompt treatment may stop problems from getting worse.
Loose Teeth Can Spell Trouble
After an accident, there will be a lot of things going through your mind. Those slightly loose or painful teeth might be the least of your concerns. But seeing a dentist after an accident is vital so your teeth do not sustain long-term damage.
Tooth Luxation
A luxated tooth is one that has undergone a trauma but is still connected to the body.
Teeth are held in place by a complex system of bones, ligaments, and tissues. You may notice that the tooth appears out of place. It may be twisted, loose, or at an angle.
It may also be very tender, especially when you try to eat. If you tap it, it might give off a metallic sound.
Tooth Concussion
Tooth concussion is a form of tooth luxation that has no visible symptoms. You will notice that the tooth is tender when you eat.
If tooth luxation or concussion is not treated, you could lose your tooth. It will not receive the stability and nourishment that it needs from your body, causing permanent and irreversible damage.
Treating Tooth Luxation and Concussion
When you visit the dentist, they will examine the tooth thoroughly. If it is out of position, they may then use a splint to stabilize your tooth as it heals back into place.
It’s also possible that your jawbone and the periodontal ligament that hold the tooth in place may have fractured. In such a case, your dentist will need to remove the tooth and reposition it. A flexible splint will then hold your tooth in place for several weeks.
If the pulp of the tooth has been damaged, you may need a root canal treatment.
If you have a tooth concussion, your dentist will check for any signs of tooth infection. He or she may then provide treatment to stabilize it. They may recommend leaving it, but closely monitoring it over the next year.
TMJD After an Accident
TMJD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. This joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. Trauma, such as an accident, can bring on this painful condition.
During an auto accident, the body is subjected to huge forces from multiple angles. Your head may move violently from side to side, and you could even strike your jaw against an airbag, steering wheel, or another obstacle.
Symptoms of TMJD include:
- Pain when opening your mouth wide
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Locking of the jaw
- Change in the alignment of your bite
After an accident, it’s important to get checked over by a dentist. They can diagnose TMJD, or can refer you to another physician for further checks. The sooner you start treatment the better, as it can develop into a painful, long-term condition.
You may need orthodontic work after an accident to help you to recover from this condition. That’s why it’s wise to start searching for a dentist near me as soon as possible.
Save a Broken Tooth
If your tooth is chipped or broken after an accident, you need to get emergency dental treatment.
Your teeth are made up of many layers. When a tooth gets broken or chipped, it can expose the inner parts of the tooth. This can lead to your tooth quickly decaying or becoming infected.
Head on down to the best dentist in ON for emergency treatment. They will examine the extent of the damage.
If the damage is minor, they may be able to repair the chip with dental bonding or a filling. Alternatively, they may suggest a cosmetic treatment, such as a dental veneer.
More serious breaks may need a crown. A crown is an artificial tooth that is securely attached to the remaining part of your natural tooth. They are custom-made and use natural-looking materials, such as porcelain.
If you get treated straight away, you can avoid your tooth becoming infected. The longer you leave it before seeing the dentist, the greater the likelihood that you will need a root canal treatment.
The Importance of Prompt Dental Treatment
It can be easy to downplay dental pain after an accident, especially if it’s not too bad. But sometimes there are serious issues below the surface that need prompt treatment.
Head straight down to your local emergency dentist for a thorough examination. This may set your mind at rest, or lead to treatment that you urgently need. Either way, don’t delay!
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