Traumatic Dental Injuries
Expert Care for Dental Trauma and Tooth Injuries in Burien, WA
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.
Common Types of Traumatic Dental Injuries
Chipped or Fractured Teeth
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.
Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth
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.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth
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.
Root Fractures
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.
Resorption Due to Trauma
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.
What Are Traumatic Dental Injuries?
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:
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- Displacement of the tooth (luxation)
- A knocked-out tooth (avulsion)
- A tooth jammed into the socket (intrusion)
- Tooth root fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- A broken or dislocated jaw
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.
How Are Traumatic Dental Injuries Diagnosed?
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 Options for Traumatic Dental Injuries
Treatment for traumatic dental injuries varies based on the type and severity of your injury. Some common treatment options may include:
- Minor chips and fractures: For minor chips and fractures that do not extend into the pulp of the tooth or below the gumline into the tooth's roots, a filling or a dental crown may be the best choice to restore function to the tooth.
- Pulp exposure or deep fractures: When a dental trauma exposes the innermost pulp of the tooth, a root canal will likely be recommended to remove the damaged tissue and preserve the natural tooth.
- Luxation injuries: Teeth that have been displaced will need to be repositioned and stabilized. Depending on the severity of the luxation, a root canal may be required.
- Avulsion injuries: A knocked-out tooth should be immediately placed back in the socket or in a glass of milk to preserve the tooth and evaluated by an endodontist as soon as possible. A root canal is often needed to save the natural tooth.
- Root fractures: A fracture that begins in the roots of the tooth and extends upward into the crown will likely need endodontic surgery to try to remove the damaged roots and preserve some of the natural tooth. Depending on the severity of the fracture, an extraction may be required to protect your teeth and prevent future complications.
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.
How Can Burien Endodontics Help Treat Your Traumatic Dental Injury?
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.
How We Treat Traumatic Dental Injuries
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:
1. Thorough Evaluation & CBCT Imaging
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:
2. Immediate Stabilization & Pain Relief
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.
3. Root Canal Therapy (If Needed)
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.
4. Long-Term Monitoring & Follow-Up
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.
Why Choose Burien Endodontics for Dental Trauma Treatment?
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.
- State-of-the-art CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis
- Expert root canal and trauma care for long-term tooth preservation
- Minimally invasive techniques to ensure comfort and faster healing
- Patient-centered care in a modern, welcoming environment
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.
Burien Emergency Endodontic Care – Call Us Today
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 (206) 402-5147 or schedule an appointment through our contact form at/ to receive expert treatment for traumatic dental injuries.
