How Oral Injury Can Lead to Tooth Loss
The team at our Jackson restorative dentistry center has helped countless patients smile with renewed confidence after they have lost a tooth or a few teeth. There are many ways of going about this that enhance the beauty of a smile as well as a person's overall dental health.
Physical trauma is a major cause of tooth loss and dental injury. Let's take a moment to look at some common causes of tooth loss and what treatment options may be considered.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of dental injuries. This means chips and cracks on the teeth, cuts to the gums, and tooth loss. The likelihood of a serious injury is more likely when the fall is particularly high or if a person lands face first or head first. Whenever using stairs or near a ledge, be cautious and be sure to use the provided handrails or guardrails.
Vehicle Accidents
Collisions in a car, on a motorcycle, or on a bicycle can lead to major types of injuries. If you wind up sustaining a blow to the head or face, there's a chance you will suffer from the loss of a tooth or a few teeth. Seat belts, helmets, and airbags can mitigate injuries and prevent serious trauma. Stay attentive behind the wheel, and be sure to abide by all traffic laws.
Contact and Combat Sports
People who play football, hockey, rugby, and lacrosse often take major bumps as part of a game. Those in combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) know that blows to the head and face are common in their profession. Tooth loss can occur in these kinds of activities. This is why it's important to wear mouth guards when training or in competition. Protective pads, helmets, and headgear are also important to have when applicable.
On-the-Job Injuries
If you work in construction or any sort of profession that involves heavy machinery or strenuous physical activity, there is a chance of suffering an injury to the face or head. This can lead to tooth loss and other kinds of serious trauma. When on the job, be sure to wear head and face protection to prevent tooth loss and other kinds of injuries.
Accidents While Eating
We've all heard horror stories about people accidentally biting into a hard object in their food and suffering a serious injury. The most infamous of these anecdotes involve unpopped popcorn kernels. The same can happen with a bit of bone or overcooked potato. Whenever you're eating, try to go slowly and savor your meals.
Physical Altercations
If you're involved in a fight or are assaulted, it's possible to suffer a serious oral injury among other kinds of trauma. The issue is more likely if you suffer any blows to the face or head.
Treatments for Missing Teeth
If you wind up losing a tooth, it may still be possible to place the intact tooth back where it belongs. Act quickly and seek emergency dental treatment if beyond the loss of a tooth you are otherwise well enough to do so.
If the tooth cannot be saved, there are plenty of options for filling the gap or gaps left behind, such as dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants.
Learn More About Your Dental Care Options
For more information about dental injuries and how they can be fixed, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. The team here will work closely with you to improve the health and beauty of your smile.
