Procedures

Traumatic Injuries

The key to success in trauma cases is early evaluation and stabilization followed by long-term surveillance. Oral injuries can disrupt the supply of nutrients to a tooth, causing problems to arise months or even years after the initial trauma. Numerous types of oral trauma can be sustained, leaving a wide range of indicated treatment options. If you suffer trauma to the mouth, the best thing to do is be evaluated by a medical specialist as soon as possible. Often it is prudent to seek the care of an emergency physician first to determine if lacerations are severe or nerve damage has occurred.

Dislodged Teeth

Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be dislodged from their normal position. Dr. Sahni or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be placed.

Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, Dr. Sahni or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. But, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required.

Avulsed Teeth

If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth (avulsion), it is important that you are treated immediately. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE TOOTH MOIST. First, try placing the tooth back into the root socket. If this is not possible, the next best choice is to place the tooth in milk. Studies have shown that a dry time of 30 minutes or less provides the highest chance of success for saving your tooth. Dr. Sahni may choose root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored may influence the type of treatment you receive.