Common Dental Injuries

Every year car accidents cause a wide range of bodily injuries to victims across the United States. The extent of damages and the nature of injuries suffered typically depend on the severity of the auto accident.

Dental injuries and facial damage are common during serious vehicle crashes. Dental injuries in auto accidents typically involve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) damage, which can cause serious and long-lasting pain and suffering.

Types of Dental Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents

Dental injuries can be both direct and indirect depending on the force of impact and the type of accident. Direct dental injuries happen when the mouth or head strikes another object. Indirect injuries are the result of an open mouth abruptly closing. This forces the teeth in the lower jaws to get crushed by the upper jaw. Any type of dental injury is incredibly painful.

Typically, motor vehicle crashes inflict severe damage to the dental area. This is particularly during highway travels where vehicles are traversing at high speeds. The treatment for dental injuries is usually intensive and expensive depending on the number of teeth affected and the extent of the injury.

These are the three common types of injuries caused during traffic collisions:

Avulsed tooth

An avulsed tooth occurs when the tooth gets completely knocked out. It is important that you never pick up these teeth from the roots. You should hold them from the crown. Immediately place the tooth in a plastic container once you pick it up from the crown. The container should be filled with some type of solution, such as whole milk, saline solution, or saliva.

Sadly, there is only a 2-hour window to get the tooth back inside the mouth. Accident victims should seek immediate medical attention. There is a very low chance for the tooth to survive once this period of time passes.

Tooth luxation

This type of dental injury involves a loosened tooth that has not been completely knocked out. Tooth luxation allows the damaged tooth to be moved forward, backward, and sideways. Treatment for tooth luxation usually involves pushing the tooth back all the way into its original position. This should be performed by the dentist to ensure there is no further damage.

Fractured teeth

Acute dental trauma generally occurs because of catastrophic auto collisions. Dental fractures need extensive treatment to fix the damaged area of the jaw. There are three categories of dental fractures:

• Ellis I: The fracture is minor and present in the crown. It extends only to the enamel of the tooth. The teeth may have rough edges in this case. However, there will be no visible change in color. The teeth will not be tender as well.
• Ellis II: These injuries involve fractures to the enamel and dentin layer. The damaged teeth are tender to air exposure and touch. Often, there is a thin yellow layer of dentin that may be visible during examination by a dentist.
• Ellis III: These fractures are the most intensive and require complicated treatment. Ellis III injuries involve the enamel, dentin, and pulp layers. There is similar sensitivity in the teeth as in the case of Ellis II injury. There is also a visible region of pink, red, or even blood at the tooth’s center.

You should speak with a qualified personal injury attorney immediately if you or a loved one suffered any dental injuries as a result of a negligent or reckless car driver.

Compensatory Damage for Cosmetic Dental Issues in Mississippi

Teeth can become scuffed or chip off by coming in contact with inflexible and abrasive surfaces. Scratched or chipped teeth can affect your aesthetic appearance and confidence. You may not feel as comfortable in social situations. It may even compromise your performance at work.

There are no tangible receipts for these invisible costs. However, these are legitimate and may deserve compensation. You may qualify for special damages through a personal injury lawsuit if you sought veneers or caps for disguising the damage done.

A trip to the dentist is usually stressful and traumatic for victims. Another hidden cost is the pain and suffering component associated with distress and self-consciousness. Typically, auto accidents that result in dental injuries usually cause other types of injury as well, such as traumatic brain injuries.

Dental damage, in most cases, is a milder form of injury as compared to other types of traumas inflicted during the auto accident. You may experience catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage and internal injuries. You shouldn’t have to pay for your medical bills and suffer the financial consequences of your injury.

Speak with a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Mississippi Today

You need a committed and competent auto accident attorney on your side when the insurance adjusters want to negotiate an injury claim with you. The auto accident lawyers at the Gardner Law Firm have the necessary experience to pursue maximum compensation for dental injuries caused by negligent drivers.

We won’t let the at-fault driver or their insurance provider settle for an unfair or lower level of compensation with you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 228-762-6555 or fill out this online contact form.