Dental Trauma Care
Tooth Injury Care
Prompt evaluation and tooth-saving treatment for chips, cracks, loose teeth, and sudden trauma.
A fall, sports impact, or biting something hard can injure a tooth in seconds. Fast care can reduce pain and improve the chance of protecting the tooth and nerve. At Androscoggin Valley Dental, we focus on stabilizing the injury first, then outlining a clear plan to restore comfort and function.
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Tooth Injury Care at Androscoggin Valley Dental
Tooth injury treatment addresses damage from trauma—such as chips, cracks, loosened teeth, or lingering tenderness after an impact. We evaluate the tooth, gums, and bite, use imaging when needed, and recommend the quickest step to relieve pain, prevent infection, and protect long-term tooth health.
What Counts As A Tooth Injury?
Not all injuries are obvious. Small chips can expose sensitive areas, and cracks may spread with chewing pressure. A tooth can also be bruised or painful after a hit even when it looks intact. Early evaluation helps identify hidden damage and allows for the most conservative solution.
- Chipped or broken tooth Smooths sharp edges and restores shape to protect enamel and comfort.
- Cracked tooth Stabilizes the tooth to reduce pain and prevent the crack from spreading.
- Loose or shifted tooth Evaluates supporting tissues and helps stabilize the tooth when possible.
- Knocked-out tooth Time-sensitive care that may improve the chance of saving the tooth.
- Gum or jaw trauma Assesses soft tissues and bite alignment after an impact.
What To Do Immediately After An Injury
If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, keep it moist, and seek care right away. For chips or cracks, rinse gently, avoid chewing on that side, and use a cold compress for swelling. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there’s bleeding.
How Tooth Injuries Are Treated
Treatment depends on the type and depth of damage. Minor chips may be smoothed or repaired, while cracks often need protection to keep them from spreading. If the nerve is affected, options are discussed to relieve pain and prevent infection. Early care helps preserve the tooth whenever possible.
Tooth Injury FAQ
- I chipped a tooth but it doesn’t hurt—do I still need care?
- Yes. Even painless chips can hide cracks or create sharp edges that worsen over time. An exam helps prevent further damage.
- What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
- Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, keep it moist, and seek care immediately for the best chance of saving it.
- How can I tell if a tooth is cracked?
- Pain when biting, sensitivity to temperature, or discomfort that comes and goes can indicate a crack. Imaging and an exam help confirm it.
- Why does my tooth hurt after a hit even if it looks fine?
- The tooth or supporting ligament may be bruised, or the nerve irritated. Evaluation helps rule out hidden damage.
- Will X-rays be needed?
- Often, yes. X-rays help assess the tooth root, surrounding bone, and deeper injury that isn’t visible.
- Can a loose tooth be saved?
- Sometimes. The sooner it’s evaluated, the better the chances. Stabilization may help protect the tooth.
- When is a tooth injury an emergency?
- A knocked-out tooth, severe pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or exposed inner tooth layers should be treated urgently.
- How can I manage pain until I’m seen?
- Use a cold compress for swelling, avoid chewing on the injured side, and follow directions for appropriate over-the-counter pain relief.
- Will trauma always require a root canal?
- No. Some injuries heal without nerve treatment, but monitoring symptoms and imaging is important.
- What’s the first step after an injury?
- An evaluation helps determine the extent of damage and the safest plan to protect the tooth.
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Mon–Thu: 8:00am–5:00pm
Fri–Sun: Closed
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