Dental injuries aren’t the most commonly talked about car accident injuries, but they occur more frequently than you think. If you hit your mouth on the dashboard, windshield or other object during a vehicle crash, you are in danger of suffering a dental injury, like a knocked out tooth. A knocked out tooth can cause a lot of problems down the road, so it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible.

 

Consequences of a Missing Tooth

 

Whether your front or molar tooth gets knocked out during a car accident, it can negatively affect your life in many ways. Here are some of the consequences of a missing tooth:

 

 

  • Decreased Self-Confidence: A beautiful smile is considered very important in society. If you have a missing tooth, it can negatively affect your appearance and make you feel uncomfortable. You may even feel too embarrassed to smile in public and be around your family and friends.
  • Speech Problems: A missing tooth can also affect the way you speak. If your teeth aren’t in their proper place, you may have difficulty pronouncing some words and even talk with a lisp.
  • Shifting Teeth: When you have even one missing tooth, it can cause issues with the surrounding teeth. They will start to drift into the gap and become more crooked. These teeth may become more difficult to clean properly.
  • Difficulty Eating: Having a missing tooth can affect how you eat. You may have more trouble eating foods that require a lot of chewing, such as steak and chicken. You may have to put more pressure on your other teeth to chew, which can wear them down.

 

 

What to Do With a Knocked Out Tooth

 

If you act quickly, it’s possible to save a knocked out tooth. Follow these steps:

 

 

  • Grab the Tooth By the Crown: When you pick up your tooth, do so carefully. Pick up by the crown instead of the root to avoid damaging it further.
  • Clean the Tooth: If the tooth has any dirt on it, gently rinse it off with water.
  • Keep the Tooth Moist: The knocked out tooth has to remain moist. Otherwise, it will dry out very quickly. If you are unable to reposition the tooth in your mouth, you should put it in a cup of milk.
  • Go to the Dentist: To improve your chances of saving your tooth, go to your dentist, like a dentist in San Clemente, CA, right away. He or she will have a better chance of saving it if it has been outside for your mouth for less than an hour.

 

 

Speaking With a Personal Injury Attorney

 

If you suffered a knocked out tooth during a car accident that was caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Schedule an appointment with a skilled personal injury attorney today to discuss your options. He or she can review your case for free and advise you the best way to proceed.


Thanks to our friends and contributors from John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into oral accident injuries.

Scroll to Top