When a dental injury happens, quick, expert care can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Traumatic dental injuries require immediate attention from skilled professionals who understand how to preserve your natural teeth and relieve your pain. At Burien Endodontics, we offer specialized emergency dental care to patients experiencing dental trauma in Burien and its surrounding areas.
Burien Endodontics, led by Dr. Matthew P. Tomala, offers specialized treatment for all types of dental injuries. As an accredited endodontist with extensive training beyond dental school, Dr. Tomala combines advanced technology with patient-centered care to effectively treat even the most complex dental trauma cases. We utilize state-of-the-art technology for precise diagnosis and effective treatment of traumatic dental injuries, regardless of their complexity.
A traumatic dental injury can happen suddenly, whether from a sports accident, a fall, or another unexpected impact. When a tooth is fractured, displaced, or knocked out, immediate endodontic care is essential to preserve your natural tooth and prevent further complications. At Burien Endodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dental injuries with advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and expert care to give your tooth the best chance of recovery.
If you’ve experienced a dental injury, acting quickly is critical. Our team in Burien, WA is here to provide prompt, compassionate treatment to help save your tooth and restore your oral health.
Dental trauma can occur in many ways, from sports accidents to unexpected falls. A chipped tooth may seem minor, but it can sometimes indicate deeper damage to the tooth's structure. Fractured teeth often expose sensitive inner layers, causing severe pain and requiring immediate treatment to prevent infection and further damage.
More serious injuries include knocked-out (avulsed) teeth, which constitute a true dental emergency. When a tooth is completely displaced from its socket, time becomes crucial. The chances of successful reimplantation decrease significantly after 30 minutes. Similar urgency applies to teeth pushed into the socket (intrusion) or partially dislodged (extrusion), conditions requiring specialized endodontic expertise.
Cracks and fractures can vary in severity. Minor chips may require only a small restoration, while deep fractures that reach the pulp (nerve) of the tooth may need root canal therapy to prevent infection and pain.
A tooth that has been pushed out of place due to trauma may need to be repositioned and stabilized. In some cases, root canal treatment is necessary to ensure long-term healing and prevent complications.
A tooth that has been completely knocked out requires urgent care. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket or in milk and seek immediate treatment. Endodontic intervention can increase the chances of successfully saving the tooth.
Injuries below the gumline can cause root fractures, which may not be visible without CBCT imaging. Some fractures may heal with stabilization, while others may require root canal therapy or surgical intervention.
In some cases, trauma can trigger root resorption, where the body begins breaking down the root structure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve the affected tooth.
Athletic activities account for a significant percentage of dental injuries, particularly among children and young adults. Contact sports pose the highest risk, but even non-contact activities can result in unexpected dental trauma when accidents occur.
Custom sports mouth guards offer the best protection against dental injuries during athletic activities. While over-the-counter options provide basic protection, professionally fitted mouth guards deliver superior comfort and defense against potential trauma. Prevention remains the best approach to sports-related dental injuries.
When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, proper emergency handling significantly improves the chances of successful reimplantation. The tooth should be handled only by the crown (the visible part), never the root. If clean, the tooth can be gently placed back in its socket, but never force it.
If reimplantation isn't possible immediately, store the tooth in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution while seeking emergency dental care. Contact Burien Endodontics immediately at (206) 402-5147 for guidance and to arrange treatment as soon as possible. Our endodontic specialists have the expertise to maximize tooth survival in these critical situations.
Tooth fractures range from minor chips to severe splits extending below the gum line. Even hairline cracks require professional evaluation, as they may indicate internal damage not visible to the naked eye. At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced CBCT 3D scanning and dental operating microscopes to detect and assess even the smallest fractures.
Treatment options depend on the severity and location of the fracture. Minor chips might require simple cosmetic bonding, while deeper fractures may need root canal therapy followed by a crown. Severe fractures sometimes necessitate extraction, though our priority remains saving your natural tooth whenever possible.
Children's teeth present unique challenges when injured. Trauma to primary (baby) teeth can potentially affect the developing permanent teeth beneath them. Additionally, growing children may respond differently to dental trauma treatments than adults.
Our approach to pediatric dental trauma focuses on both immediate care and long-term developmental considerations. We understand the anxiety children may experience following a dental injury and work to create a supportive, calming environment for young patients. Dr. Tomala's gentle approach helps ease children's fears while delivering the necessary treatment.
Many traumatic dental injuries result in damage to the tooth's pulp—the inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When this happens, root canal therapy becomes essential to preserve the tooth and eliminate pain. Signs a traumatized tooth may need root canal treatment include persistent pain, sensitivity to temperature, discoloration, or swelling.
Utilizing advanced technology, such as Fotona Ultra Performance Lasers, we perform root canal procedures with exceptional precision and minimal discomfort. Our approach focuses on thoroughly cleaning the infected canal, disinfecting the space, and sealing it to prevent future infection—all while keeping you comfortable throughout the process.
Recovery from dental trauma often extends beyond initial emergency treatment. Follow-up care is crucial for monitoring healing and addressing any complications. Depending on your specific injury, rehabilitation might include dental splinting for loose teeth, cosmetic restoration of damaged teeth, or long-term nerve health monitoring.
Our practice emphasizes localized and emergency care that follows your recovery journey from emergency treatment through complete rehabilitation. We work closely with your general dentist to ensure seamless coordination of your care and optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Traumatic dental injuries comprise a wide range of conditions that result from an impact or force on the teeth, tissue, or surrounding structures of the mouth. According to a compilation of global studies, nearly one billion people worldwide have experienced a traumatic dental injury in their lives. Traumatic dental injuries vary in severity and can include the following:
Traumatic injuries can have a long-term impact on dental health if not treated quickly. This is why diagnosis and treatment by an experienced endodontist are essential in preserving natural teeth and protecting oral health.
Proper diagnosis of a traumatic dental injury involves a thorough examination by an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in the tooth and its root system, making them especially skilled in handling traumatic dental injuries. This process typically includes an examination, imaging, pulp testing, and a detailed patient history.
During your examination, your endodontist will evaluate the affected tooth and check for fractures, movement, displacement, and if there are any soft tissue injuries or signs of infection. CBCT scans and digital radiography will play a crucial role in creating a detailed picture of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure. Your endodontist will also perform a series of pulp tests to determine whether the innermost tissue of the tooth is still healthy and viable or if it has suffered irreparable damage.
Using all of this information, your endodontist will discuss your treatment options to ensure the best possible outcome for your injured tooth.
Treatment for traumatic dental injuries varies based on the type and severity of your injury. Some common treatment options may include:
If you experience a traumatic dental injury, please contact us as soon as possible to get the quick and effective treatment you need to protect your oral health.
When a dental injury happens, acting fast can make all the difference. At Burien Endodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating traumatic dental injuries with precision and care. Our advanced imaging technology and expertise in root canal therapy, surgical intervention, and tooth stabilization allow us to provide the best possible outcome for your natural teeth. Whether you've experienced a chipped, cracked, or displaced tooth, we're here to help you heal and restore function as quickly as possible.
If you've suffered a dental injury, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Call (206) 402-5147 or request an appointment through our contact form.
At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced diagnostics and treatment techniques to provide the best possible care for dental trauma cases. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced diagnostics and treatment techniques to provide the best possible care for dental trauma cases. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
For dislodged (luxated) or fractured teeth, immediate stabilization is crucial to prevent further damage and support healing. If a tooth has been knocked out, repositioned, or loosened due to trauma, we may secure it with a splint to help it heal properly. During this phase, our focus is also on pain relief and reducing inflammation, ensuring your comfort throughout the treatment process.
If the tooth’s pulp (nerve tissue) is damaged due to trauma, a root canal may be necessary to remove infection and protect the tooth from further deterioration. This procedure involves carefully cleaning and sealing the inner canals of the tooth to prevent future complications. Root canal therapy is often the best option to preserve an injured tooth and restore its function for the long term.
Traumatic dental injuries often require ongoing monitoring to ensure the tooth is healing properly and remains stable. We schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress, perform additional imaging if necessary, and make any adjustments to your treatment plan. In some cases, a tooth may show signs of delayed healing, root resorption, or complications over time, which is why long-term care is essential to maintaining your oral health.
At Burien Endodontics, we are dedicated to providing expert care for dental trauma patients, combining cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach to ensure the best possible outcome for your smile. If you or a loved one experiences a dental injury, don’t wait—early treatment can make all the difference in saving your tooth.
At Burien Endodontics, we understand that dental injuries can be stressful and painful, which is why we prioritize compassionate, expert care in every case. Our advanced technology, precise treatment techniques, and patient-focused approach allow us to provide exceptional outcomes for injured teeth.
Saving your natural tooth is our top priority. If you or a loved one experiences a traumatic dental injury, don’t wait—contact us immediately for expert care.
If you’ve suffered a dental injury, fast treatment can make all the difference in saving your tooth. At Burien Endodontics, we are here to help with emergency endodontic care when you need it most.
Call us at (253) 544-4395 or schedule an appointment through our contact form at/ to receive expert treatment for traumatic dental injuries.
Monday: 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 5PM
