Traumatic Injuries

Don’t lose a tooth to a traumatic injury.
Accidents happen and we are here to help.

Traumatic injuries can happen as the result of accidents, falls, blows to the face or other injuries. Chipped teeth are the most common type of injury, but teeth may be knocked crooked or completely out. Often, neighboring teeth will suffer unnoticed injury that can only be detected by a thorough exam, so it’s important to schedule a visit with our office even if you’ve received emergency treatment at a hospital.

Typical traumatic injuries include:

Chipped or fractured teeth: Most chipped or fractured teeth are treated with crowns or fillings. If the tooth’s inner pulp is exposed, a root canal will be needed to restore the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be chipped and require special treatment.

Services

Dislodged teeth: In some cases, teeth may be knocked crooked. We will reposition the tooth properly in its socket. In most cases, a root canal will be part of the restorative process. Some children may not need a root canal, but their healing must be monitored to ensure they are recovering properly.

Knocked-out teeth: If a tooth is knocked out, we will place it back in its socket with a stabilizing splint, and check your surrounding teeth. Once the tooth is stable, we will perform a root canal. Since the length of time the tooth is out of your mouth is a key factor in successfully saving it, contact us immediately if you lose a tooth. If it is not possible to save the tooth, we will discuss other options with you.

Root fractures: Injuries to the tooth may also result in a horizontal root fracture. If the fracture is close to the root tip, there is a good chance of repairing the fracture. The closer to the gum line, the lower the chance of success. Stabilization with a splint is the most common treatment.

First Aid can save your tooth.
Knowing what to do if you injure a tooth can make all the difference!If your tooth is chipped or cracked, or knocked out of alignment:

  • DO NOT use a topical oral pain medication like Anbesol® or ointment.
  • DO NOT place an aspirin or other pain reliever on the affected area.
  • DO bite on clean, moist gauze or cloth.
  • CONTACT our Garden City office immediately at (516) 222-1822.
  • CONTACT our Hicksville office immediately at (516) 217-7000.
  • CONTACT our Patchogue office immediately at (631) 447-6060.
  • CONTACT our emergency number after hours at (866) 250-3406.

If your tooth is knocked completely out of your mouth REMEMBER, TIME is of the essence

  • Avoid touching the root of the tooth.
  • If it is dirty, rinse it with water. DO NOT USE SOAP.
  • DO NOT SCRAPE OR BRUSH THE TOOTH.
  • If possible, place the tooth back in its socket as best you can.
  • If you cannot replace the tooth, put it in a solution such as Save-A-Tooth, available at most drug stores. If such a solution is not available, put the tooth in milk. NEVER put the tooth in water.
  • You may also hold the tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum.

The sooner you call, the better your chances of saving your tooth.