Emergency Dental Care

Richmond, VA

What Is Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma is an injury to the mouth’s teeth, gums, or other structures. It can occur due to a fall, an injury to the face, or other accidents involving the facial region. Dental trauma can range from minor injuries such as a small chip in a tooth to more serious issues such as complete tooth loss. In some cases, dental trauma can also lead to nerve damage, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the teeth and gums.

If you experience any dental trauma in Richmond, VA, take a moment to carefully assess the situation. If the injury is serious involving a possible concussion or blood loss, seek medical attention first. Your child is our priority, so please contact us with any questions or concerns involving an injury. Our team is here to help you and your child in the event of a dental emergency.

Common Examples Of Dental Emergencies

Dislodged Or Displaced Teeth

A dislodged tooth has been knocked out of its socket, while a displaced tooth has been moved out of its normal position but is still in its socket. If you have a dislodged or displaced permanent tooth, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can replant and stabilize the tooth to prevent further damage. While it is simpler to repair a knocked-out tooth, both injuries can be excruciatingly painful and result in serious complications if not attended to right once. In addition, it is essential to avoid touching or handling the tooth by the root, as this can damage the delicate tissue and make it more challenging to replant. If you have a dislodged or displaced tooth, call our office to schedule an evaluation.

Knocked-Out Teeth

It’s imperative to see a dentist right away if you have a permanent tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket. The more quickly you are seen, the more likely it is that the tooth can be stabilized and replanted. You can do a few things in the meantime to increase your chances of success:

Try to find the tooth, and do not scrub or remove any still attached tissue.
Avoid contacting the tooth’s base and hold the tooth by the crown (the white portion). Reposition the tooth in the socket if at all possible.
Call us immediately so that we can get you in for an appointment. If it is after hours, please take your child to the emergency room at VCU Pediatrics or St. Mary’s pediatrics right away.

With prompt treatment, a knocked-out tooth can often be successfully replanted.

Primary teeth are never reimplanted due to the risk of damaging permanent tooth buds that are actively forming while a child has their baby teeth.

Chipped Or Fractured Teeth

A common dental emergency is a chipped tooth, which can happen as a result of trauma or biting down on something hard. A small chip may not require treatment right away, but a larger one can be painful and lead to severe complications. It’s important to call your dentist right away if you have a chipped tooth so they can evaluate the damage and decide the best course of action.

Toothaches & Sensitivity

A toothache is a common issue and can be caused by various things, such as an infection, decay, or injury. If you have a toothache, please contact our office so we can help determine the cause and provide any necessary treatment. Treatment for a toothache may include fillings, root canal therapy, or extractions, depending on the issue causing discomfort.

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