Recognizing Dental Trauma
Posted on 11/16/2020 by Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin |
 Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) often lead to fractures or displaced teeth. Therefore, it is important to address this type of condition soon after an injury takes place.
What Leads to a TDI?
A collision between the facial area and any type of object, or the ground, can lead to a traumatic dental injury, or TDI. According to the online publication, Dentistry Today, the treatment options for TDIs improve the prognosis for this type of condition. For instance, avulsed teeth, or teeth that have been knocked out, may be replanted. If this happens, look for the tooth, rinse it with saline, and so it can be replanted, or, if that is impractical, place the tooth in milk before seeing us to determine a treatment method. Those types of emergencies are, of course, easily recognized. However, other teeth, which did not receive a direct traumatic impact, still have to be assessed. Therefore, an evaluation of the adjacent teeth must also be performed. Most instances of dental trauma have a summative impact. That is why we have to understand the nature of an injury to determine treatment. For instance, it is important to know exactly how an injury happened. This is especially helpful to know when avulsions or soft tissues injuries occur.
Previous Injuries
To recognize a dental trauma, it is also important to learn if there were previous injuries to the gums and teeth. Some patients who experience a trauma also had a prior accident. With respect to prior injuries, we need to know what type of treatment was administered, and if we can get previous x-rays. We can also ascertain trauma if teeth have become discolored or went through a color change. It helps to test dental sensitivity as well. Percussion testing lets us know if the oral tissues have been damaged. In some instances, a tooth may need a splint. Usually, teeth that have been luxated or avulsed should be stabilized. Orthodontic considerations may need to be made if an injury happens when a patient receives this treatment. In some instances, a tooth straightening treatment may be stopped to enable healing of the periodontium (tissue) that supports the teeth.
Do you need for us to assess current dental problems related to a past trauma? If so, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
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