Traumatic Injuries : traumatic injuries can happen to patients of all ages. Sports injuries, falls, car wrecks…we are here to help.
What is a traumatic dental injury?
Traumatic injury to a tooth can result in the need for immediate assessment an endodontic care. We hold emergency appointments daily to be able to accomodate traumatic dental injuries for patients from the entire Greater Cincinnati region. This ensures that patients can be seen promptly thereby preventing infection and giving the highest likelihood of being able to save the tooth. We use CBCT (3D) imaging for all traumatic tooth injuries to help assess the extent of the injury and guide best treatment options. Dr. Matthew Sullivan is experienced in managing traumatic dental injuries and even served as the dentist for the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships during his endodontics residency at Saint Louis University.
3D CBCT imaging shows the front tooth displaced with alveolar bone fracture
1st Step of Managing a Traumatic Injury
A thorough history of the injury is gathered. Proper intra-oral radiographs are taken as well as a CBCT (3D) x-ray to check for any displacement of the teeth and/or fractures of the alveolar bone. Thorough extra-oral and intra-oral exams are completed.
2nd Step of Managing a Traumatic Injury
Findings of the exam and radiographs are reviewed with the patient and treatment options are discussed. Some times monitoring healing is the preferred option especially in a young patient with the possibility for the dental pulp to heal after traumatic injuries and some times immediate treatment is needed.
3rd Step of Managing a Traumatic Injury
The injured tooth is repositioned if indicated and the teeth are splinted if needed to provide stabilization. Immediate root canal therapy may be initiated in some cases to relieve pain and remove the pulp thereby preventing infection. Many times the patient will be scheduled back in approximately 1 week for endodontic therapy.
Final Step of Managing a Traumatic Inury
Dr. Sullivan will send a report to your general dentist reviewing any endodontic treatment needed and the need for follow-up restorative care. You will schedule an appointment with your general dentist for restorative treatment. We will schedule you for regular recall appointments at intervals recommended by Dr. Sullivan to ensure complete healing of the injury.
