Traumatic Injuries | Westminster MA

Dislodged Teeth

Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Dr. Manzella or Dr. Moynahan may reposition the tooth or teeth and then stabilize them by splinting them to the neighboring teeth. Antibiotics may be prescribed and root canal treatment is performed within a few weeks of the accident. If the root canal is not fully formed yet then a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth until the root forms. Then the final root canal can be performed.

Sometimes a tooth may be pushed slightly out of the socket. Again Drs. Manzella or Moynahan will reposition the tooth or teeth in their socket and splint the teeth. If the pulp remains healthy then the treatment is observation. If infection or pain occur, then root canal therapy will be performed.

Avulsed Teeth

If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out (avulsed) from your mouth, it is necessary that you be treated immediately!! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You may even put it in a glass of water or milk. Drs. Manzella or Moynahan will place the tooth back into the socket, splint it to the neighboring teeth, prescribe antibiotics and antimicrobial mouth rinses, go over diet restrictions, and perform root canal therapy. However every hour the tooth is out of your mouth decreases that chances of the procedure being successful. After 8-12 hours the success rate becomes very low.

Fractured Jaw

A serious injury can cause a person’s jaw to fracture. If your bite is off, there is pain or swelling in the jaw area, or if you can’t open or close after an accident , your jaw may have fractured. An X-ray or a CT scan will be taken to view your entire jaw and a referral to an Oral and MaxilloFacial Surgeon will be made.