Traumatic tooth injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s a fall during a sports game, an accidental trip, or even biting down on something hard, trauma to the teeth is more common than many realize. For those who’ve suffered a recent tooth injury in the Orem, UT area, Cascade Endodontics, and Dr. Jon Jenson, DDS, can step in and provide expert care. Unfortunately, if your tooth has sustained enough damage, a root canal may be necessary to save your natural tooth and restore its function. But how do you know if your dental injury requires a root canal? Below, we explore common tooth injuries and when a root canal might be necessary.
Root Canals Simplified
Before discussing the injuries, it’s important to understand what a root canal is. A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from a tooth’s interior. This pulp is vital during a tooth’s development, but once a tooth matures, it can function without it. By removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it, root canals can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Now, let’s look at the types of traumatic tooth injuries that may require a root canal.
1. Dislodged (Luxated) Teeth
A dislodged tooth, also known as a luxated tooth, occurs when the tooth is pushed out of its normal position in the jaw due to trauma. This can happen from impacts during sports or accidents. The tooth may appear loose, pushed into the gum, or elongated.
When a tooth is dislodged, the trauma often damages the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves, cutting off its supply of nutrients. If untreated, the pulp may die, leading to infection. A root canal might be needed to remove the damaged pulp and stabilize the tooth. Dr. Jon Jenson and the team at Cascade Endodontics can assess the tooth and provide the necessary treatment to save it.
2. Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth
An avulsed tooth is a tooth that has been completely knocked out of the mouth. For sports enthusiasts, this type of injury is all too familiar in contact sports like football, basketball, or even skateboarding. Avulsed teeth are dental emergencies and should be addressed immediately.
If a knocked-out tooth is preserved properly, it may be possible to re-implant it. However, re-implantation doesn’t guarantee the survival of the tooth’s pulp. Depending on the extent of the trauma, a root canal is often performed after re-implantation to prevent infection and ensure the tooth’s long-term health.
3. Fractured Teeth
A fractured tooth often results from a sudden impact, such as a collision or biting down hard on an unexpected object. Fractures can vary in severity—some may only affect the enamel, while others can extend deep into the pulp of the tooth.
If the fracture extends to the pulp, the tooth becomes vulnerable to infection. A root canal is often necessary to remove the damaged pulp and seal the tooth to prevent further complications.
When to Seek Help
Any traumatic injury to a tooth should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately. Timely treatment can often mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Cascade Endodontics, under the expert care of Dr. Jon Jenson, DDS, provides specialized endodontic treatments, including root canals, to preserve and restore injured teeth.
If you’re in Orem, UT, and have experienced a traumatic tooth injury, don’t wait. Contact Cascade Endodontics today to get the dental care you need to protect your smile.
Remember: Protecting your teeth during sports with custom mouthguards and seeking immediate attention after trauma can go a long way in preserving your oral health!