Traumatic Dental Injuries in New Jersey

Is a broken tooth considered a traumatic dental injury?

A broken tooth is one step below a traumatic injury but deserves prompt attention. An endodontist can stabilize your tooth with a root canal and seal out contaminants that could cause infection.

What should I do if I knock out an adult tooth?

The first thing you should do is find the tooth. Handle the tooth only by the crown. Avoid touching the roots since root cells are delicate.

You can gently rinse the tooth with lukewarm water if it is dirty. Put the tooth back in your socket if you can, or place it in a small cup of saliva or milk to protect it from drying out.

See an endodontist as soon as possible. If you can get to the endodontist's office within 30 minutes to an hour, you will have the best chance of saving your tooth.

Can you save a knocked-out baby tooth?

Unfortunately, baby teeth do not have a root system that allows replanting. In addition, replanting the tooth would damage the permanent tooth underneath.

Why is it important to try to save a lost tooth?

If you can save a lost tooth and have it replanted by an endodontist, you may not need a restoration like a crown or implant. You will not encounter the serious oral health impact sustained by patients who lose teeth and do not replace them.

These risks include an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease, and neighboring teeth shifting out of alignment.

Does insurance cover traumatic dental injuries?

Insurance covers these incidents for most patients. If you are hurt in an accident or fall, you may be able to receive coverage from your primary medical insurer as well.

How do endodontists stabilize replanted teeth?

Endodontists replant teeth in their sockets and splint them into place. They also perform root canals to stabilize the tooth and preserve it for years to come.

Will my damaged tooth need a root canal?

In many cases, our endodontists will recommend a root canal to protect your oral health.

How can I prevent traumatic dental injuries?

You cannot always prevent accidents, but you can take steps to protect your teeth. If you or your child plays sports, invest in a custom mouth guard from your general dentist. A mouth guard may be able to protect your teeth from breakage or avulsion.