Dental Trauma Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

“My Teeth are Chipping, What Can We Do?” – Tim’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Tim has been a patient with Eggert Family Dentistry since the early 2000’s. Up until recently he had only been in for his recare appointments and a few restorations, but then he started noticing that his front teeth were chipping. He wanted to know what he could do to address it. As we age, our teeth naturally undergo changes that can affect our appearance and health. These changes include enamel thinning, increased risk of cavities and gum disease, tooth discoloration, and of course chipping. Proactive oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help mitigate these effects and maintain a healthy smile throughout life, but sometimes intervention is needed.

Tim discussed the issue with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN and she invited Tim to undergo the Records Process. She noticed things about Tim’s smile and jaw that would be contributing to his chipping. His current tooth positions and a history of acid erosion on his teeth were especially to blame. She let him know that over time he would continue to have wear and chipping on his front teeth and as they got smaller, he would in turn have excessive forces on his back teeth. Tim wanted to learn more so he took her advice and started the Records Process.

What did he want?

Tim had not really given much thought to his teeth beyond the functionality of them such as eating and speaking, but it was important to him to keep his teeth long term. He only became aware of the chipping a few years ago, even though the process started long ago. Through the Records Process, Dr. Elizabeth helped him better understand what is happening with his muscles, jaws, and teeth and how they all relate to each other. He wanted to understand why the chipping was occurring and he wanted to be able to keep his teeth healthy for the long-haul.

What was involved?

The Records Process helped us gather information about how Tim uses his teeth and we found that the narrowness of his upper and lower jaws put his teeth in a position that put the edges at risk for chipping. Many times, people with a narrow arch produce more acid, which also thins the enamel, making it more prone to wear, tear, and chipping.

Tim’s teeth needed to change position before the chipping could adequately be addressed. Invisalign was recommended as a conservative and convenient way to move his teeth. After completing splint therapy with an anterior deprogrammer to verify his muscle and joint positions, Tim started Invisalign. It took 14 months for Tim’s teeth to move into positions where the edges wouldn’t chip.

Getting the teeth in a better position to stop the chipping meant that more spaces would open up between Tim’s teeth. This was an anticipated side effect and was discussed with Tim during the Records Process. Tim agreed that porcelain veneers should be used to both close down his spacing and protect his enamel. 12 veneers were needed – 6 for Tim’s upper front teeth and 6 for his lower front teeth.

Dr. Elizabeth used emax veneers for Tim’s restorations. Emax is a type of dental porcelain made from lithium disilicate, a glass ceramic, and is known for strength, durability, and a natural appearance. Veneers made from emax are thin, translucent, and closely mimic the look of natural tooth enamel, which makes them a popular choice for cosmetic dental work, or in Tim’s case to also help with improved function and durability!

What does he think?

Tim mentioned that he was concerned with how long the process would take, but he felt informed along the way. He spends a majority of his time in Florida during the winter to get away from the Minnesota cold, but even having to work around that didn’t slow things down. He was able to take his Invisalign aligners with him to Florida and he updated Dr. Elizabeth with photos of his progress. Even through it did take awhile from start to finish, he is very happy with the results and likes that he can eat and speak like normal. When asked what he would say to anyone about his treatment, he said he would recommend it and tell them what the whole process was like for him. Congratulations on your commitment and great result Tim! We love working with you and we thank you for putting your trust in us! Call Eggert Family Dentistry today at 651-482-8412 to talk about your dental issues and to find out if veneers are the right way to improve your smile!

The Long-Term Effects of Untreated Dental Trauma

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Whether from a fall, a sports injury, or an accident, dental trauma is common and can happen when you least expect it. It includes any injury to the teeth, gums, lips, or jaw. Let’s dive into untreated dental trauma and what you can do to prevent long-term damage and preserve your smile.

Types of Dental Trauma

Dental trauma can take many forms. It includes chipped or cracked teeth, dislodged or knocked-out teeth, teeth that are jammed into the socket, cuts in the mouth’s soft tissue, or a broken or dislocated jaw.

These issues range in severity and require a variety of treatments.

Signs of Dental Trauma

Signs of dental trauma can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but there are several common signs to watch for. A sudden toothache or mouth pain may indicate a crack, fracture, or damage to the tooth’s nerve. Swelling of the gums, lips, or face often accompanies injury, and bleeding can occur if soft tissues or the gumline are affected. Another sign of trauma is a discolored tooth, in which the tooth may appear dark or gray due to damage to the blood supply inside the tooth.

You might also notice a loose tooth, a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite, or even difficulty opening your mouth or moving your jaw. These symptoms could point to more serious issues such as jaw dislocation, tooth luxation, or fractures.

If you experience any of these issues, we recommend you call Eggert Family Dentistry right away. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert would be happy to talk with you to assess the situation and determine the best path forward.

Consequences of Untreated Dental Trauma

If left untreated, something as seemingly minor as a fractured tooth or a small cut in your mouth can develop into more serious problems.

Cavities: Harmful oral bacteria can sneak into chips and cracks in teeth and set up camp. These bacteria can then spread, eroding enamel and causing pain, sensitivity, and infection.
Bite issues: Also known as malocclusion, dental injuries can cause the bite to become misaligned. Trauma can shift teeth out of their proper position or cause damage to the supporting bone and soft tissue. For example, if a tooth is pushed inward, outward, or sideways, it can disrupt how your upper and lower teeth come together when biting and chewing. Similarly, if a tooth is knocked loose or fractured, the surrounding teeth may shift slightly, leading to uneven contact or pressure.
Tooth loss: A blow to the mouth can cause tooth damage that makes a tooth more susceptible to decay. It can also weaken the tooth, which, left unattended, can lead to eventual tooth loss.
Of course, some teeth get knocked out on contact, this is called avulsion. In this case, we recommend rinsing the tooth under clean running water—being careful not to touch the root—and putting it into a jar of water or milk to preserve it. Call Eggert Family Dentistry right away. In some instances, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can reinsert a tooth into the socket, especially if the avulsed tooth is properly cared for and reinserted quickly.
Nerve damage: This occurs when the nerves inside the tooth’s pulp become injured or inflamed. Nerve damage can cause extreme tooth sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, and aching around the base of the tooth. If the nerve issue isn’t addressed promptly, the nerve inside the tooth can become necrotic and die. At this point, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will likely recommend a root canal or tooth extraction.
Gum disease: Commonly referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease often sets in after an injury to the mouth. This is because, when teeth shift around, they can leave areas along the gumline more exposed and susceptible to harmful bacteria. These bacteria can inflame gums and, if they aren’t removed, can harden into tartar. Eventually, the diseased gums can pull away from the teeth even more, leading to additional loose teeth or even tooth loss.
Facial asymmetry: When dental trauma affects the jaw, it’s crucial to come in to Eggert Family Dentistry so Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can assess the situation. When the jaw isn’t repositioned, a cascade of issues can ensue, including TMD, inflammation, and jawbone deterioration. In addition to increasing pain and discomfort, it can cause a person’s face to become asymmetric.
Low self-esteem: Whether it’s a chipped, discolored, or missing tooth or an asymmetric face from a jaw injury, untreated dental trauma can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem. It can make people more timid in social situations and cause them to hide their smiles or even avoid public situations whenever possible.

If you or someone you love has experienced dental trauma—whether recently or in the past—schedule a visit to Eggert Family Dentistry. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert offer a range of effective treatments to protect your smile and prevent the long-term consequences of untreated dental trauma. Call us today at 651.482.8412!

My Spring (Tooth) Break! Fixing a Fractured Front Tooth – Caleb’s Story!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Caleb was on spring break in Florida, vacationing with his family at the beach and playing in the sand with his sister. He accidently fell on a metal shovel on the beach and chipped his front tooth. His mom called from Florida to let Eggert Family Dentistry know what had occurred and asked how she should proceed. It was recommended that she send a picture of the tooth and keep the fragment in water so that we would have a better idea of the extent of the fracture. Caleb was still out of town for a few days, but was seen at the office when he returned. Unfortunately, Caleb was ill with a severe cough right after coming home, so it was over 2 weeks before he was able to see Dr. Jeff Eggert to attempt to reattach the fragment.

What was recommended?

Tooth trauma, also known as dental trauma, refers to injuries to the teeth, gums, and surrounding soft tissues of the mouth. These injuries can range from minor chips or cracks to more severe issues like tooth displacement or jaw fractures. Common causes include accidents, sports injuries, falls, and even biting down on hard objects. Symptoms can include pain, bleeding, swelling, and a change in how teeth fit together. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, and may involve repositioning the tooth, root canal treatment, or other procedures.

Upon examination, Dr. Jeff reviewed some signs and symptoms with Caleb and his parents and did some tests to verify the status of the tooth’s nerve. Luckily, the tooth was still responding as vital, which means that the nerve was trying to heal after the injury. Teeth undergoing trauma like Caleb’s are at high risk for nerve necrosis (dying) and abscess (infection). It was decided to repair the tooth with composite filling material to build back what had broken since Caleb’s tooth fragment had now been out of his mouth a few weeks and the fragment available couldn’t replace all of what was missing.

Caleb was only 11 years old at the time of the trauma to his front tooth. When considering repairing a fractured front tooth, the appropriate treatment options and considerations can vary depending on a person’s age. Preserving the natural tooth structure, including the tooth’s pulp for as long as possible is very important for the longevity of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Even though Caleb’s tooth nerve was testing vital, things can change overtime.

After a trauma like this, it is important to follow the tooth over time. Depending on the injury it is typical to reevaluate the tooth over a period of weeks, then months, then years to make sure that complications aren’t developing.

What else was involved?

Caleb’s tooth did very well for about 10 months and then his parents called reporting that he was having intense pain, sensitivity and swelling with the tooth. We saw him for another exam and unfortunately, the tooth was showing signs of a tooth abscess. Caleb saw the root canal specialist for a root canal as they were able to get him in for an appointment faster for that procedure, in fact, they were able to see him the very same day!

Caleb’s tooth has been stable and he now is in braces to help correct his bite. This will help keep his tooth better protected from forces for the long-haul.

What does he think?

It has been over 2 years since Caleb’s accident and his tooth is still doing well. The bonded composite filling has stayed in place and looks very natural. Because of how large the fracture was it is likely that the tooth will eventually benefit from a crown, but while the repair is holding up, Caleb will keep the filling.

Caleb and his parents were very appreciative of how quickly he was taken care of and monitored throughout the process. Caleb said “I thought it was kind of cool, how they just fill my mouth with filler stuff and then make it tooth sized.” He says he feels the same as before his tooth fractured and thinks “you can’t even notice it!” We look forward to seeing Caleb’s magnificent smile and his family as well for many years to come!

At Eggert Family Dentistry we have had many patients over the years that we have been able to help with dental trauma. Here are some additional examples of what trauma can look like: