Dental emergencies can occur due to a sudden impact (e.g., a fall) or through a traumatic event like an auto accident, sports injury or simply being hit unexpectedly. At Paramount Dental, we provide you with the necessary information and support to address a dental emergency quickly and effectively.
In the case of an urgent concern please call Paramount Dental at (916) 898-0003 for assistance.
Schedule A Dental Trauma Consultation
Benefits of Prompt Dental Trauma Care
Prompt dental trauma care helps:
- Stabilize the injury
- Reduce pain
- Protect the exposed tooth structure
- Lower the risk of complications.
Dental trauma care often includes treatment of:
- Teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked out completely
- Teeth that have shifted out of their proper position
- Excessive bleeding, swelling, or soft tissue injury
- Extreme jaw soreness after a blow to the mouth
- Sensitive gums or teeth
If a tooth is fractured, broken or becomes infected due to trauma, additional procedures may be required. Based on your emergency exam and diagnosis, the dentist may recommend bonding, crowning, root canal therapy, removal of the tooth, a fixed bridge, or a dental implant.
Dental Trauma Treatment
Dental trauma treatment begins with a thorough assessment of how and when your injury occurred and whether you are experiencing pain, swelling, bleeding, movement of your teeth or sensitivity.
The dentist will conduct a visual examination of the injured teeth, gums, bite and surrounding areas. Depending upon the results of this examination x-rays may be ordered to identify fractures to roots, displacement of teeth, damage to the underlying bone supporting the tooth or periodontal ligament.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Dental trauma care may include:
- Cleaning the injured area and controlling bleeding
- Smoothing or repairing chipped enamel
- Bonding or restoring broken tooth structure
- Repositioning and stabilizing a displaced tooth
- Evaluating whether a knocked-out tooth can be replanted
- Managing swelling, pain, and possible infection
- Planning follow-up visits for additional treatment care or to monitor healing
When to Seek Emergency Care
You should schedule urgent dental trauma care if you have suffered an injury and you have any of the following symptoms:
- A piece of tooth or an entire tooth has come out
- A tooth has shifted or feels loose
- Pain occurs when biting or chewing
- The tooth is highly sensitive
- Bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure
- Swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain develops
- You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth or suspect a jaw injury
Treatment depends on the extent of your injury. Minor tooth chips may only need smoothing or bonding. Larger breaks or fractures in a tooth may require a crown placement. A tooth nerve injury likely needs root canal therapy. When the natural tooth cannot be saved, replacement options recommended may include a dental bridge or dental implant.
Cost & Insurance
The cost of dental emergency treatment depends on the severity of the injury, diagnostic needs, and type of treatment required. A small chip costs less to repair while treatments for a displaced tooth, root fracture, knocked-out tooth, or injury that requires multiple visits cost more.
Many insurance plans help with emergency treatment however, benefit levels for exams, x-rays, tooth repair, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, and tooth replacement options will differ by plan.
Paramount Dental at times offers financing and payment plans. For a personalized estimate, call (916) 898-0003 or request an appointment so the team can evaluate the injury and explain your treatment options.
Aftercare & Maintenance
After dental trauma treatment, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. Healing may require a soft diet, careful brushing, medication as directed, and follow-up visits to monitor the tooth and surrounding tissues.
General aftercare may include:
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods while the tooth heals
- Chewing on the opposite side of the injury when recommended
- Gently cleaning the area with careful brushing
- Application of cold compresses for swelling
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Returning for follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing
Reduce future trauma risk by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports or high-speed activities.
Dental Trauma FAQs
If I chip or crack a tooth, what do I do next?
Gently rinse the tooth or its’ pieces with warm water, saving them until you contact our office and can be seen by the dentist. Avoid chewing on the injured tooth until it has been professionally evaluated.
What if my permanent tooth has been knocked out?
Gently hold the tooth by the crown (top part of the tooth), rinsing it if dirty. Attempt to place the tooth back in the socket if possible. If not possible, keep the tooth moist by storing it in milk, saliva, or between the cheek and gum. Call Paramount Dental for next steps.
Can I replant a baby tooth that was knocked-out?
This is not recommended. Replanting a baby tooth may affect the developing permanent tooth underneath it. Call the dental office to receive further instructions.
What if my tooth is still attached but not in the correct position?
Do NOT force the tooth back into place. Rinse your mouth gently, apply clean gauze if there is bleeding, and call (916) 898-0003 for an emergency appointment. Our dentist will determine whether repositioning or stabilization of the tooth is needed.
How promptly should I see a dentist after a dental accident?
Immediately. Timing is particularly crucial for knocked-out permanent teeth, displaced teeth, severe pain, bleeding, or swelling. Calling right away helps our team guide you on immediate steps with the best chance to save the natural tooth.
Does a broken tooth always need a root canal?
Not necessarily. Minor enamel chips may just require smoothing or bonding. Larger cracks or fractures may require a crown to stabilize the tooth. Damage to tooth nerves could necessitate a root canal in order to preserve your natural tooth.
Can a mouthguard prevent dental trauma in sports?
Yes, a properly fitted mouthguard helps reduce the risk and severity of sports-related dental injuries.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?
Contact emergency services or visit an emergency room if you have suffered significant facial trauma, suspect you’ve fractured your jaw, suffer excessive or uncontrollable bleeding, struggle with breathing, lose consciousness, or experience significant swelling affecting your ability to swallow or breathe.
Timely treatment is essential for minimizing potential long-term consequences resulting from untreated dental trauma. Paramount Dental provides professional assessments of dental trauma injuries, treatment alternatives and subsequent protection for your smile after an accident. Call (916) 898-0003 or request an appointment online.