Trauma

Facial trauma may involve the soft and hard tissues of the mouth and face.  Patients with facial injuries often present to emergency departments usually from sports injuries, falls, assaults, or motor vehicle accidents.

 These injuries may range from major deformities requiring hospital admission and reconstructive surgery, to minor injuries to the mouth and tooth-supporting structures that may be managed in the emergency department or in a clinic setting.

Injuries to the mouth and teeth

 Injuries to the teeth and surrounding dental structures may require the expertise of several dental specialists. Oral surgeons are involved when injuries include fractures in the supporting bone, or when teeth that have been displaced or knocked out need to be replanted.  The other specialists that may be involved include endodontists, who can perform root canal surgery, and/or restorative dentists, who can repair or rebuild fractured teeth.

Saving a Tooth

 If a tooth is knocked out of its socket, it should be placed in milk or salt water. The sooner the tooth is re-inserted into the socket, the better the chances are that it will survive. Never attempt to clean or wipe off the tooth.  Remnants of the ligament that hold the tooth in place may still be attached, and could be vital to the success of replacing the tooth. When the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants can now be utilised as replacements for missing teeth.