Traumatic Injuries to the Mouth
Learn from Endodontist Dr. Walker what you should do in these emergency dental situations
Dislodged Teeth
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Dr. Walker or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be implanted.
Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, your endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. Yet, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required. If left untreated, many different complications can arise. These complications can include but are not limited to: Infection of the tooth, root system or surrounding tissue, inadequate hygiene due to an inability to properly clean the dislodged tooth and the gums, and loss of the tooth.
Avulsed Teeth
If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt.) Dr. Walker may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive.
Tooth Injuries in Children
An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth:
Apexogenesis
This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth.
Apexification
In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.
Are you ready to smile pain-free again?
To schedule an appointment with us, give our office a call at Northwest Endodontics Office Phone Number 816-364-4422 or use our online contact request form.Northwest Endodontics
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff, got me right in with my fractured tooth.
- Jamie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I went in for a root canal, a first, and I was really nervous/anxious. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff were especially kind. Dr. Walker was very friendly, very personable. Once he started, he asked me often if I was in pain. The procedure lasted about 20 minutes, and it was 100% pain free. I would highly recommend Dr. Walker and his team!
- Val W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciate that you were able to work me into your schedule so quickly! The root canal went so smoothly with little to no pain, I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone!
- Tim P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fast friendly no pain.
- Sara rothermich
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I fell asleep during my root canal. I never would have thought that was even remotely possible to do during a root canal. I never felt a thing! Perfect experience.
- Michael B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After having been a General Dentist for 38 years, I thought I had seen everything Dentistry had to offer. Recently, I experienced a painless, quick, and caring molar root canal by Dr. Walker. This office is simply THE BEST! Organized, efficient,and very low key.
- Tom R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For having a root canal procedure the process was painless. Dr. Walker is the only one I would let perform a root canal on me!
- Marcia K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have had lots of dental work and dread going to the dentist because it is always painful. I will say, other than shots which are always horrible as far as I'm concerned, the root canal procedure was basically painless and quicker than any other root canals I've had in the past. Other than a little soreness after the root canal, which is to be expected, I have not had any problems.
- Lori M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great experience for a root canal
- William C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very, very friendly staff and Dr Walker too.
- Carolyn T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Walker was very gentle, easing my anxiousness (who likes a root canal?). The procedure was quick and painless. I really appreciate their courtesy and kindness.
- Randi S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Walker did amazing, he was very friendly and helped me ease my fear of the dentist. I felt nothing at all, so I am very happy with the service. Everyone here was very nice and helpful!
- kayla w
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would recommend this dentist to anyone who can make it, who is in need of help. The most relaxing and painless dental experience I have ever had!
- Jadon W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am a nervous wreck with ALL things dental, and was shaking so bad when I entered the office. I was also in so much pain. The staff and Dr. Walker calmed me down and talked me through all options and procedures. It was over before I knew it, and painless. It was a great experience.
- Kelli H
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whole staff made me feel real comfortable, whole process was amazing, thank you
- Roger H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I never had to waiting and told me everything that they were going to be doing. Made sure I was comfortable.
- Jaunita S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very good
- david l
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very friendly professional staff
- Tracy k
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Brian Damewood was in excruciating pain they were able to get him in the same day and took care of him and he came home pain free, not even any need for tylenol or ibuprofen... the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable and Ryan Walker does wonders!! Thanks so much!!!
- Brian D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience.
- Stacie P