Trauma and Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental problems can all lead to the loss of a tooth. Aging and systemic diseases can also contribute to tooth loss. One major cause of tooth loss, however, is injury and trauma. Indeed, major blows or impacts to the mouth can cause a tooth to be severely damaged or even come loose. The staff here at our Imperial Valley area dental implants center would like to take a brief moment to discuss tooth loss that results from trauma and what people should do in such situations.

Trauma to the mouth that causes tooth loss can be the result of numerous things. Sports injuries can sometimes lead to tooth loss, especially if you’re playing sports with lots of contact, such as boxing, football, rugby, and so on. Accidental collisions and falls can also lead to oral trauma that causes tooth loss, such as car or bicycle accidents or sudden falls.

When you lose a tooth due to injury, it’s first important that you assess your situation and get the proper care you need. If you have suffered a major injury where the jaw bone is severely injured or your lips and gums are bloody and damaged, it’s important that you contact the emergency room right away.

If you have only suffered tooth loss following trauma, then speaking with your dentist or us is the right option. Be sure to find the tooth and to wash it off with warm water, handing the tooth only by the crown rather than the root. If you can, try to place the tooth back into position. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk.

Treatments for tooth loss will vary. If the tooth can be saved, that is ideal. In cases there the tooth cannot be saved, a dental restoration such as a dental bridge or denture is best. Dental implants may also be a good option, and the implant or implants can be used to support Imperial Valley dental crowns or other dental restorations.

For more information about your options for dealing with missing teeth, be sure to contact our Imperial Valley cosmetic and implant dentistry center today.