Dental Trauma: Types of Tooth Injuries and When to Seek Emergency Care

Jun 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

Accidents happen—and when they involve your teeth, time is everything. Whether it’s your child chipping a tooth on the monkey bars or you cracking one during lunch, knowing what to do in a dental emergency can protect your smile and avoid long-term damage.

At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments for patients who need urgent attention after dental trauma.

🦷 Common Types of Dental Trauma

Here are the most frequent dental injuries we treat—and how we handle each:

1. Chipped or Fractured Tooth

  • Minor chip? Smoothing or bonding may be enough.
  • Deep crack? A dental crown or root canal may be needed if the crack reaches the nerve.

📌 Related Reading: What Is a Dental Filling?

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)

This is a true emergency.

  • Rinse the tooth gently with water—don’t touch the root
  • Try placing it back in the socket
  • If that’s not possible, place the tooth in milk or saliva
  • Get to the dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it

3. Dislodged Tooth (Luxation)

If a tooth is pushed in, out, or sideways, it needs quick repositioning and splinting.

  • Delaying treatment can cause nerve damage or bone loss

4. Cracked or Split Tooth

Cracks cause pain when chewing or with temperature changes.

  • Early treatment may involve bonding
  • Severe cracks may require a crown or root canal to prevent infection

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

These include cuts to the lips, tongue, gums, or inner cheeks.

  • Rinse gently
  • Apply pressure to control bleeding
  • Visit a dentist to assess for stitches or deeper injury

📌 Related Reading: Emergency Dental Exams & X-Rays – Just $19

🚨 Emergency Dentist in McKinney, TX

If you’ve experienced a dental injury, call us at (972) 562-0767 immediately.

We offer:

  • Same-day and walk-in emergency care
  • Onsite imaging and diagnosis
  • Pain relief, repair, and long-term solutions

At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we’re ready to help restore your smile—fast.

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