Injuries of the Teeth in Traumatic Accidents

Injuries of the Teeth in Traumatic Accidents

Though most people are familiar with the damage that cavities can cause to their teeth, there are other injuries that people might sustain that cannot be prevented by simply brushing their teeth. Different ways people can damage their teeth include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents, such as truck accidents, can lead to substantial damage to the teeth. If people are not prepared for the force of an impact (such as not wearing a seat belt), they could strike their face on the steering wheel. This can lead to the loss of many teeth.

Slip and Fall Injuries: Those who slip and fall could land on their face. If they don't brace their fall with their hands, they could lose their teeth if their face strikes the ground.

Surgery: People can also lose their teeth during a surgical procedure. If someone needs to be intubated, traumatic intubation could lead to the loss of teeth while the anesthetist is inserting the tube.

Types of Injuries to the Teeth

The teeth play an important role in articulating speech and digesting food for nutrition purposes. Several injuries people might sustain to their teeth include:

Chipping: It is possible for people to chip their teeth if they strike their mouth on hard surfaces, such as a steering wheel or counter. It is also possible for people to chip their teeth in physical altercations or sports as well.

Subluxation: Severe injuries that encompass both the teeth and the jaw can lead to subluxation of the teeth. This can lead to people losing their teeth entirely if the damage is severe enough, such as with bone fractures of the mandible.

Nerve Damage: Most people have felt the shock that comes with nerve irritation of the teeth. Nerve damage to the teeth can be exquisitely painful and can lead to a root canal for severe cases.

How Injuries are Treated: Repair and Replace

If someone sustains severe injuries to his or her teeth, there are a couple of repair options that can be considered. One possible treatment includes getting veneers or porcelain caps placed to cover the teeth. This can help restore both the aesthetic look and the function of the teeth. If the tooth needs to be removed completely (or has already been knocked out), it is possible to replace the tooth entirely with a dental implant. This is a titanium screw (or similar metal) that is inserted in the jaw and covered with a cap that possesses the same look and functionality of the native tooth.

Help from a Lawyer

Injuries to the teeth can be complicated and could include everything from a small chip to losing multiple teeth. It may be helpful to speak to a lawyer who can help with:
Insurance Claims: It is not unusual for people to have problems getting insurance to cover the cost of treatment. Some are classified as health insurance claims while others might be filed under dental insurance. A lawyer can discuss this with the insurance company to help make sure that it is covered.
Accident Investigation: Whenever someone winds up with serious injuries in an auto accident, it is important to make sure that the accident is investigated to the fullest extent possible.
Court: In some cases, it may be a good idea to take the case to court and pursue legal action. It is essential to have someone in your corner who has been through this before.

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