What if I Suffered from Dental Trauma Due to a Car Accident?

Dental Implants

Millions of drivers are injured each year in America due to car accidents. And of these collisions, a vast majority of victims sustained moderate to severe injuries. There is also a significant percentage who suffered from painful face and jaw injuries. To repair such damage, it can be incredibly expensive for the victim, in addition to changing how a person maintains his or her teeth for many years to come. Understandably, the victim in a car accident may want to get repayment for these dental medical bills from the driver at fault for the wreck.

Car accidents are a main contributor to jaw fractures and dental trauma. The faster and more recklessly the driver was going, the more severe these injuries may have been. Dental trauma can occur due to hitting the dashboard, seats, loose items, flying glass, or interior parts of the vehicle.

Q: What are the different types of dental trauma?

A: In most cases, dental trauma is going to cause such discomfort and pain that not many people can go without seeking medical treatment. No matter what degree of ache you are feeling, it is highly recommended you visit a trusted dentist in your area for treatment. The most common types of dental trauma are listed below:

  1. Fractured/Chipped Teeth: teeth may sustain hairline fractures, root fractures, or become partially broken in between. Root fractures can cause complete loss of the tooth. Partly chipped teeth are the most common of dental injuries sustained by victims in car accidents.
  2. Avulsed Tooth: teeth can be knocked out of the gum entirely due to the force of impact. The tooth may be placed back by a dental professional, if the tooth can be preserved and used within a couple of hours. If not, artificial teeth may need to be used to fill the gum socket.
  3. Tooth Luxations: teeth can become loose without being forced out of the gum socket. It can be difficult to initially detect tooth luxations, until a person goes to eat or drink. The treatment for tooth luxation depends on how badly the tooth has become loosened, and whether or not it can be stabilized.

Q: What are the treatment options for dental trauma?

A: Dental injuries must always be treated by a dentist soon after the car accident, whether it is a mild cases or something requiring dental implants Morrisville, NC offers. What may initially be minor soreness, can worsen and develop into a something much more serious and chronic if not treated. Any delay in seeking dental treatment may cause further tooth damage, inability to save avulsed teeth, and lead to other issues like sinus problems. Car accident victims may take legal action against the other driver for dental medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Keep in mind that any documents related to your dental medical care can be used as proof in your lawsuit. Victims may want to visit an attorney shortly after the wreck to find out what their options are in seeking compensation.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Alliance Dentistry for their insight into dentistry and dental trauma after a car accident.