Tooth decay and dental abscesses are not the only reasons a patient might need endodontic treatment. Sometimes, severe injuries can cause a tooth to fracture, split, become dislodged, or fall out entirely. Dr. Lepore is highly trained in treating various tooth traumas, giving your natural teeth the immediate care they need in order to remain intact and healthy for years to come.

When the mouth suffers a blow, sometimes a tooth is strongly pushed in different directions – either sideways, partially out of its socket, or into its socket. If this occurs, your general dentist or Dr. Lepore will need to reposition and stabilize the tooth. In many cases, because the pulp inside your injured tooth has been damaged or compromised, root canal therapy will be necessary after the tooth stabilizes.

If your tooth gets completely knocked out of its socket, there is still a chance it can be saved if you act quickly. Contact your general dentist immediately. The less time the tooth is out of your mouth, the greater the chance it has of being successfully reattached.

Placing the tooth back in its socket yourself within the first hour of its displacement can help increase these odds. Remember to always handle an avulsed tooth by the crown, not the roots, which must be kept clean and protected.

If the tooth will not stay in its socket, keep it moist with milk or saline until you reach your dentist’s office. If none of these options are available, keep the tooth inside the cheek of your mouth. You want to avoid the tooth drying out at all costs. Roots can be kept alive for a few hours if placed in the right solution. Some pharmacies and drug stores even carry a special solution (such as Save-A-Tooth) specifically for avulsed teeth emergencies.

After the tooth has been repositioned and splinted by your dentist, it will need from 1-2 weeks to stabilize. Dr. Lepore can follow up with the proper endodontic treatment.

A traumatic injury to the tooth can also cause a root fracture. Depending on where this fracture is located, the long-term health of the tooth may be compromised. The closer the fracture is to the root tip, the better the chances are of saving the tooth. Stabilization with a splint may be required for a short period of time.

Sometimes, in response to a traumatic injury, your body will begin to reject your own tooth, sending cells to attack a section of it. This process is called resorption. After an injury, Dr. Lepore will examine the tooth to ensure that root resorption is not putting it at risk. This type of trauma can be difficult to treat if it is not identified early. You should follow up with your dentist at regular intervals to ensure proper healing.

If you have further questions about traumatic injuries and how they can affect your teeth, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact experienced endodontist Dr. John Lepore today at his Canandaigua or Fairport, New York offices. Advanced Endodontic Solutions, saving smiles with advanced technology and care.