Chicago Dentist - Dental Injuries

Dental Injuries

Teeth are very good targets for accidents and injuries. They especially occur in the young. Additionally, most dental injuries occur at home. The most common injury being chipped teeth, particularly the upper front teeth. The typical repair involves composite or porcelain bonding. If the injury is slight, the dentist may do nothing.
For more serious dental injuries such as fractures, with or without damage to nerves and blood vessels, tooth displacement or facial injuries, the dentist will have to take more severe measures. The measures may include a review of the medical history, neurological and clinical examinations and x-rays to accurately diagnose the proper treatment.
Age is an important factor. The younger the child, the greater the chance of healing due to the ongoing developmental process and fast cell regeneration. In a young, immature tooth, the goal is to keep the internal tooth healthy. This internal tooth or pulp includes blood vessels and nerves.

Infections

These include bacteria, germs, viruses, microorganisms or bugs which cause damage to the teeth. There are several factors which can contribute to infections.

1) Poor brushing and flossing habits. This allows for the accumulation and proliferation of bacteria that affect the teeth and the gums.

2) Sugars. The foods we eat contain the sugars that are retentive on teeth and act as fertile ground for bacteria.

3) Acidic drinks. Soft drinks, with or without sugar can weaken the outer tooth enamel and create an opening for infection.

4) Sugary Liquids. Soft drinks, fruit drinks, milk and other liquids, when ingested frequently are sources for the infections.

5) Genetic-related tooth weakness. Genetics plays a part in tooth enamel thickness and hardness and your teeth’s resistance to infections.

6) Developmental tooth weakness. This can be due to illness, trauma, medications, poor nutrition and maternal or prenatal drug abuse.

7) Saliva deficiency. Saliva acts as an anti-acidic neutralizing base. A deficiency allows the bacteria to grow. Saliva may be defective due to medication, radiation treatment, illness, disease and stress.

8) Grinding and clenching of the teeth. This causes excessive wear and breakage on the biting surfaces of teeth as well as fractures of the thin enamel nearest the gumline.

9) Overly aggressive toothbrushing. This can cause tooth abrasion wear and gum loss at the gumline, leading to sensitivity.

10) Iatrogenic Syndrome. Tooth destruction aided and facilitated by the dentist. This can occur during dental surgery using dental instruments. Anytime a tooth is attacked by an instrument, there is a chance for a germ to invade.