Cross DentalCare - Cosmetic Dentist Minnesota

Help for mouth injuries

Oh no, I just had an accident and my mouth is bleeding and some of my teeth are broken!

Has this ever happened to you? Car accidents, every day accidents, and sports accidents frequently include mouth or teeth injuries.

What should you do first?

First call 911 for immediate medical attention
In the emergency room, if there is mouth involvement, have the physician call my cell phone number 612-868-1161, any time, any day, to alert me of the issues.
When teeth have been knocked out, fractured, are loose or painful, make an appointment to see me when your doctor says it is OK to proceed with your mouth care.
Do not use ice packs swelling near the mouth area. The cold may cause irritation to the nerves of the teeth resulting in more pain.
Pain medication may be necessary. Alert the emergency room physician of the pain in your mouth so he or she can prescribe the appropriate medication.
Eat room temperature, bland, and blended foods. Avoid hot or cold liquids.
If you have lip, mouth, or facial lacerations, the emergency room doctor will place sutures and will do a fine job. It is still recommended to see a plastic surgeon for any additional work as the healing progresses.

Your First Post-accident Dental Appointment

I will do a dental examination, take radiographs and photos of your mouth and teeth and record a complete history of the accident. Forms will be filled out for your insurance company.
I will restore minor chips and smooth rough areas only if needed for your comfort.
If it is necessary for you to see dental specialists, I will refer you to their offices and coordinate your treatment.
I may refer you to an endodontist, if a tooth is broken off at gum line and the nerve is painful and exposed. The endodontist will remove the nerve from the tooth or teeth. Then it is possible to rebuild the tooth with a post and crown.
I may refer you to a periodontist to remove a fractured root and place an implant.
I may refer you to an orthodontist to put orthodontic retainers or bands to stabilize loose teeth.
I may refer you to an oral surgeon for a fractured jaw.
I may refer you to a TMJ and pain clinic for an exam, treatment and physical therapy.

Restoring your Teeth and Monitoring the Health of your Gingival Tissues

After the healing has progressed where it is possible to work in your mouth, I will do another examination and take a full mouth set of x-rays, a set of diagnostic models and diagnostic photos.
Another appointment is necessary to discuss and develop a treatment plan for the remainder of the work such as fillings, preparing teeth for crowns and managing the gingival tissues.
Appointments are scheduled to do the work necessary to restore your teeth and regain your winning smile.

Dental Sports Guards

Two types are available depending on the activity.

A thinner guard is a must for all recreational hikers and walkers, for people with a history of falling, and for seniors in health care facilities. The thinner guard allows a person to wear it all day except while eating.
A thicker guard is a must for all ‘extreme’ sports, such as downhill skiing, hockey, football and more... For example:

When cross country skiing, stay on groomed trails and wear a protective sports guard.
When snow shoeing, stay away from the downhill ski jumps and wear a protective sports guard.
When down hill skiing, avoid the black diamonds, wear a helmet and a protective sports guard.
When riding motorcycle off-road, anything can happen, wear protective sports guard.

Cross DentalCare - Mouth guard protection