When moments matter: Managing injuries with emergency care

Emergency treatment is not uncommon. Children and adolescents are particularly prone to injury to the teeth and other oral tissues. At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio we often see tooth injuries resulting from sports or biking accidents. Our endodontists, Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang, have the training and experience to “save” teeth injured due to accidents and other trauma.

Specialist care in San Antonio, Texas, to the rescue

A traumatic dental injury can cause the crown or white visible part of the tooth to be cracked or broken. A tooth may also be displaced or completely “avulsed” (knocked out). It is essential to contact us right away. Our specialists can advise you on adequately managing injuries at home until you get to our office. 

For avulsed teeth it is important to reintroduce the tooth into a moist environment. Ideally, this means carefully placing the tooth back in its socket. Be sure to rinse off any debris from the tooth as needed. Take great care not to disturb the tissues that are attached to it. Try to only touch the enamel (white) part of the tooth and avoid touching the root

If re-insertion is not possible, put the tooth in a liquid and seek immediate dental care.  Products such as Save-A-Tooth® should be a part of a first-aid kit.  This product comes in a jar and contains a solution that is designed to preserve the tooth.  If Save-A-Tooth®  is not available, milk is a good second choice. Milk helps to retain moisture and the tooth’s fluid balance and contains natural proteins and antibacterial properties to balance pH levels and prevent infection.

Get to our office right away. Moments matter. Teeth that are replanted quickly have the greatest chance of successfully being preserved. When properly managed, these and other forms of traumatized teeth can last a lifetime. No further treatment may be needed and tooth loss can be avoided.

Depending on the nature of the emergency or injury, our endodontists may recommend: 

• Direct or  indirect pulp capping
• Partial pulpectomy
• Pulpal regeneration 
• Apexification

Some of the treatments we provide are intended to help your child to avoid the need for root canal therapy. At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, our goal is always to provide as little treatment as possible.  Stay ahead of dental injuries. Contact our office in San Antonio, TX, at (210) 405-0473 with questions or concerns.

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