Traumatic dental injuries usually occur as a result of an accident or a sports mishap, and people of all ages can be affected. These injuries may include fractured jawbones, knocked-out teeth, and soft tissue wounds. If you have recently gotten into an accident and suffered from oral or facial trauma, it is imperative that you reach out to a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon right away. This is so that you can get the surgery required for your injury.

Although the damage to your dental structure may seem minor, you should still get it examined by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further injury and complications. With the proper equipment and technology, the damage to your jaw and teeth can be fixed with little scarring and short recovery time. Here are some examples of traumatic dental injuries that must be resolved right away:

Knocked-Out Teeth

Many people who have gone through a facial injury are often left with missing teeth. While it is not impossible to reattach a knocked-out tooth, it is crucial that you handle it with care and get it to your oral surgeon in a timely manner. Be sure to avoid contact with the root surface in the meantime. The tooth must be kept moist and clean until you get to your dental clinic.

Another common problem resulting from traumatic facial injuries is a tooth or teeth that are pushed sideways or deeper into the socket. An experienced oral surgeon will be able to reposition and stabilize the tooth or teeth. Keep in mind that teeth that have been fully knocked out from the jaw should not be reattached as there could cause more damage to the permanent tooth foundation. Therefore, it is vitally important that you consult with a professional for a viable treatment option for you.

Soft Tissue Injuries

When there is damage to your jaw, teeth, and facial structure, you may also sustain soft tissue injuries to the cheeks, gums, and lips as well. Your oral surgeon will be able to restore these critical tissues after a traumatic injury. One common treatment option is to apply sutures to stabilize and accelerate the body’s healing processes. During these procedures, your oral surgeon should leave salivary ducts and glands undisturbed while also making sure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure with the help of local or general anesthesia.

Bone Fractures

Although a fractured bone in the face is just like other broken bone in the body, injuries to the skeletal structure are trickier to treat. Fractures in limbs can be stabilized with a cast. However, the same solution is not applicable for injuries to the face. You may be advised by your oral surgeon to have temporary structural plates or a stabilizing system of wire installed. This way, your bones will have the stability they need to heal.

The Bottom Line

If you happen to experience any trauma to the face, teeth, jaw, or soft tissues, it is vitally important that you seek treatment as soon as you can. Even though your injuries are minor and not permanent, they can lead to more severe injuries or complications if left untreated for too long.