Trauma & Restoration

Compassionate care for teeth after injury.

If you experience trauma to your teeth:

1. Collect the teeth or fragments and place them in a clean cup with your own saliva.

2. Do not touch the root of the tooth if it falls out completely. Handle it by the crown.

3. See a dentist immediately. Teeth fragments can sometimes be reattached, and whole teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist. Never attempt to do this yourself.

The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

Frequently asked questions
When could one experience Dental Trauma as a child?
Nina was a 10-year-old girl who tripped and fell while playing in the woods with her family. She came straight to the clinic as an emergency case. We carried out a trauma stamp, a set of investigations used to monitor the health of traumatized teeth over time, to assess the damage and restored her tooth with composite aLer placing an appropriate dressing on the tooth, as the tooth fragment was not found at the Ame of the accident. Monitoring Nina's Tooth: Nina will be placed on a monitoring program to ensure that the nerve in her traumaAsed tooth remains healthy. This is important because if the nerve becomes damaged, it can lead to an infecAon and even cause the tooth to resorb (break down).
How do you treat children after dental trauma?
When treating children, it’s crucial to perform procedures as quickly and painlessly as possible to give them a positive experience. This helps them develop a positive attitude towards dental health and prevents fear of the dentist.
Why is ongoing monitoring so important?
A traumatized tooth needs to be closely monitored over time. If the nerve dies, it can result in infection, pain, and potentially the loss of the tooth. Regular follow-ups allow us to catch any changes early and manage them before more serious problems occur.
When could one experience Dental Trauma as an adult?
Michael was a 20-year-old basketball enthusiast who was accidentally hit in the face by a friend’s elbow during a game, leading to significant trauma to his front teeth. Unfortunately, Michael did not have his tooth fragments, and he sought treatment months after the injury, which meant that we needed to take a closer look and establish the best treatment we could offer him. We performed a trauma stamp, a set of investigations used to monitor the health of traumatized teeth over time. His teeth were restored using composite material. Radiographs showed no signs of root fractures, bone damage, or infection. His teeth responded normally to cold testing, indicating the nerves were still healthy. Michael’s follow-up was to be placed on a recall protocol to monitor the vitality of his teeth over the next two years. We also advised him to have a custom mouthguard made to protect his teeth during sports in the future.
Should I use a custom mouth guard for my sports activities?
While sports guards can be bought from sports shops, custom-made mouthguards from your dentist offer much better protection. A custom mouthguard is designed to fit your teeth and mouth perfectly, unlike generic versions that are made for everyone. This provides several benefits: 1. Better Comfort: A snug fit makes the mouthguard more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that you will wear it consistently. 2. Better Protection: Because it fits securely, it is less likely to fall out during play, and it offers superior protection to your teeth. 3. Enhanced Performance: An ill-fitting mouthguard can be distracting, affecting your performance, while a custom guard stays in place and feels more natural.