dental trauma

[Kate T]

Hi

This morning I fell as I was walking and hit my front tooth against the sofa. As far as I can see, no part of the tooth is broken but the tooth feels a bit traumatized. When I try to move the tooth with my fingers it feels a little loose but no part of it seems to be missing.

My friend says that dental trauma can cause teeth to become black and might mean that the tooth will have to come out. Considering that I don't have any problems with the tooth right now, is it possible that my traumatized tooth might become black and need to be removed in future?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Hi

Dental trauma can indeed cause a tooth to lose vitality and discolour and in that situation the tooth will need a root canal filling in order to keep it free of infection and pain.

You should go and see a dentist as soon as a tooth is traumatized, in order for them to assess it and make sure no damage has happened. Whenever possible we try to save traumatized teeth especially the ones at the front of the mouth.

If a traumatized tooth loses vitality and is left untreated, it may cause infection and pain for the patient concerned, and also tooth discolouration on a front tooth causes serious cosmetic concerns for patients.

My advice would be to see a dentist ASAP and have the tooth examined by him to make sure no long term damage has happened. Not having any pain or problems from the tooth right now does not mean all is well with the tooth and these problems may arise in the future if a traumatized tooth is ignored.