Traumatic Injuries to the Mouth

Dislodged Teeth

Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to move out of their correct position . Dr. Dastmalchi or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment may or may not be necessary depending on the type and extent of injury.  Injuries to teeth can have different immediate and long term consequences and should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Avulsed Teeth

If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or in salive (under the tongue or in a cup).  Dr. Dastmalchi may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive.

Tooth Injuries in Children

An injured immature permanent tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth:

Apexogenesis

This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth.

Apexification

In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.

Regenerative Endodontics

In recent years new procedures are put forth to help the pulp of some injured  immature teeth regenerate.  This results maturation and completion of the root leaving the tooth stronger  with increased longevity.  Dr. Dastmalchi will discuss all options that may be available for your child’s tooth.