Dental injuries can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can cause long-term damage to your teeth. Signs and symptoms of teeth injuries can vary depending on their severity. A mild tooth injury may only cause a small chip in the tooth, while a more severe tooth injury can result in a crack or fracture. Symptoms can also range from pain and sensitivity to bleeding and inflammation.
Types of Dental Injuries
There are four primary types of dental injuries: chips, fractures, avulsion, and luxation.
- Chips usually occur when biting down on hard food or objects.
- Fractures occur when there is a direct blow to the tooth, typically from a fall or accident.
- An avulsion is a dental emergency when the tooth is completely dislodged from the socket.
- Luxation refers to a partial displacement of the tooth.
Dental injuries can quickly worsen without proper treatment and lead to complications such as infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Learn more details.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries: Pain
This can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting sensations. Pain can be a sign of several different conditions. It may indicate that the tooth has been fractured, the nerve has been damaged, or an infection is present.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries: Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity refers to a sharp, shooting pain that is felt when the tooth is exposed to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures. Tooth sensitivity is mainly caused by damage to the tooth enamel or dentin. These tooth layers can be damaged by cavities, tooth decay, and even brushing too hard.
Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of gum disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries: Swelling and Inflammation
Any injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw can cause swelling and inflammation. This is the body’s natural response to protect the area from further damage. However, swelling and inflammation can also be a sign of infection. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and even death.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries: Tooth Movement
The tooth may move out of its original position because of dental injuries. This can occur if the damage is severe enough to cause the periodontal ligaments that hold the tooth in place to break.
It can also occur if the surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support the damaged tooth. If a tooth is moved out of its original position, it is known as displacement.
Signs and Symptoms of Teeth Injuries: Earache and Vertigo
Earache after a tooth injury is usually due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) damage, just in front of the ear. This can happen if the teeth are knocked out, if a tooth is fractured, or if there is damage to the ligaments that support the TMJ.
Vertigo after a tooth injury is usually caused by damage to the nerves that control balance. It can happen if there is damage to the inner ear, which is located just behind the TMJ.
Treating a Dental Emergency
At Dapto Dentists, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments for dental injuries. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth or suffered a more severe fracture, we can help.
In the case of a small chip, we may be able to simply smooth out the edges of the tooth with dental bonding. If the damage is more extensive, we may need to place a filling or dental crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
For severe cases where the tooth has been completely displaced or damaged, we offer dental implants as a way to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
Visit an Emergency Dentist at Dapto Dentists
At Dapto Dentists, we understand that a dental emergency can happen anytime. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, a chipped tooth, or facial trauma, we can create a treatment plan to restore your smile.
Our emergency dentists keep slots open during business hours specifically for dealing with dental emergencies. We offer a wide range of services to address your specific oral health needs. Contact us on (02) 4210 9058 if you’re in pain or worried about a dental problem. We’ll be happy to help you get the care you need.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
What is toothache and swelling?
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling#what-is
Dental injury
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-injury
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