Accidents have the ability of producing a number of outcomes and injuries. Dental injuries are not at all uncommon following an accident. However, it’s important to note that depending upon the severity of the accident that you were in, other injuries may overshadow your dental emergency. In some cases, you may not even be aware there is a problem until after you have stabilized for the other injuries you suffered. It’s important that you gain access to prompt, and sometimes emergent dental care in the event that you discover your accident was the result of a dental injury.
What type of accidents may result in a dental injury?
There are a number of ways that you could be injured and experience a dental injury as a result. This may include:
- Slip and Fall
- Car Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Bicycle Accident
Your dental injury may be just one injury among many that you have experienced following an accident. However, despite this, it’s important that you seek the treatment you need, and deserve through dentistry. In some cases, you may reach the decision that it is in your best interest to take legal action against the responsible party. Making sure that you have obtained medical care and treatment can not only produce evidence in support of your case, but also prove the extent of your injuries. In the long run, seeking treatment through dentistry in the wake of an accident can be essential to your legal case.
What type of dentistry issue constitutes a dental emergency?
Accidents do not always occur during regular business hours, because of this, you may delay in seeking care from a dentist. However, it’s important to know that many dentists may offer care to their patients after hours. You will of course, want to know what types of situations can wait versus which ones constitute immediate care. Common dental emergencies following an accident can include:
- Lost Tooth
- Broken Jaw
- Excessive Bleeding
- Your Tooth is Out of Alignment
- Lacerations on Your Gums, Cheek or Tongue
If you are unsure of what you should do, and you have obtained a dental injury in a car accident, contact your dentist or provider as soon as possible to get a better idea of whether you should seek care immediately.
If I have lost a tooth, what are my options?
If you have lost a tooth, or multiple teeth, you may be wondering what the next steps will be. If you are able to find the tooth, and seek care immediately, your dentist may be able to save the tooth. If this is the case, you should not touch the exposed roots, lightly wash off the area that is dirty, and place the tooth back into its socket or in your cheek. If you are unable to save the tooth (or teeth) your dentist may restore your smile using dental implants, dentures or bridges.
Will my dentist provide me with evidence in support of my legal case?
Yes. Seeking care from a dentist can automatically generate evidence that may support your legal case. Documentation such as x rays, medical bills, and notes outlining tooth damage can play an essential role in proving the injuries you sustained from the accident that you were in.
Whether you have lost a tooth, broken a crown, injured your jaw or experienced some other incredibly painful dental injury, you will want to seek care from a dentist right away. With their help, you can obtain the treatment you need to correct the issue and manage the pain you are experiencing. For more information regarding emergency dental services, contact a dentist in your area.
Resource: Dental Care
