Shock on adult teeth

Shocks can cause different types of tooth trauma. In addition to touching teeth, they can affect jaw bones, gums, lips, cheeks and tongue. In general, incisors and canines are the most affected. The molars, which are located at the back of the mouth and are therefore protected, are more rarely affected.

Depending on the force of the impact, the tooth may be fractured, displaced, or even thrown out of its socket. It is important to consult your dentist immediately after the accident so that an assessment of the damage can be made, even after an impact without a tooth fracture. It should be remembered that a shock, even if it does not leave any damage, can cause bleeding. Teeth mobility may also occur.

Here are three types of dental injuries that can occur as a result of a shock:

• The fracture of the tooth;
• The displacement of the tooth;
• The expulsion of the tooth.

• A fall;
• A severe blow to the head;
• The practice of certain contact sports, such as hockey, boxing and football.

A few actions can limit the damage immediately after a shock:

• Clean the wounds around the mouth and place a cold water compress on the affected area;
• Do not use mouthwash. This could be aggressive for teeth and gums that have suffered trauma;
• Use pain medication if necessary (acetaminophen).

In the event of a tooth fracture or expulsion

If the final tooth is fractured, it is better to try to find the broken piece of tooth, place it in milk or in the mouth (under the tongue or on one side of the cheek) and go to the dentist immediately.

If the final tooth is expelled (dental avulsion), it is necessary to go to the dentist immediately, because the intervention time is very short for the success of the tooth’s reimplantation. Collect your tooth by the root, not by the crown. Do not clean it or put it under water: place it in milk, saliva or your mouth to keep it moist.

In case of tooth displacement

If the tooth is mobile, it must be immediately replaced in the right place by pressing with your fingers. If the tooth does not move, it is best not to try to replace it and go to a dental office immediately.

In the event of a major shock without any other symptoms

It is possible that the shock received will not cause any other symptoms. However, it is strongly recommended to consult a dentist as soon as possible, as the trauma can cause small lesions that may eventually worsen. The dental pulp may also have been touched without being detectable to the naked eye. To this end, it is important to pay particular attention to the appearance of pain or a change in the colour of the affected tooth.

The fracture of the tooth

Depending on the severity of the fracture and the level of nerve damage, treatment varies from simple polishing to tooth restoration. It is possible to reattach the fragment if the nerve has not been damaged. The reconstitution of the tooth can also be done with a resin composite. The application of a dental veneer may also be indicated.

The displacement of the tooth

A tooth that has moved due to a shock is found to have moved in its cavity, but not completely out of it. Pain is usually present when you touch it. The movement can be done in several directions: lateral, towards the inside of the cell or vertically. In the case of moving a tooth, it can be repositioned and immobilized with a restraint.

The complete expulsion of the tooth

The tooth can be re-implanted provided that the maximum time between the shock and surgery is one hour. Otherwise, the placement of an implant will be the solution.

*After treatment, regular follow-up with the attending dentist is recommended to assess the condition of the traumatized tooth and prevent its deterioration.

• Loss of tooth vitality (necrosis);
• Abscess;
• Definitive loss of the tooth.

An accident happens so quickly, and it is impossible to prevent the shocks that teeth can receive. However, it is possible to minimize the risk of injury when playing certain high-risk sports, such as wearing a custom-made mouth guard.