Common Dental Injuries That Result from Auto Accidents

When people think of car accident injuries, they rarely think of dental injuries, but tooth damage is actually fairly common in car crashes. These injuries are often a significant issue for victims, as not everyone has dental insurance and even those who do have insurance could end up spending thousands out-of-pocket.

Not sure what your next step is after a dental injury? It’s time to find out if you are owed compensation. Call Hedge Copeland at 251-432-8844.

Signs of Dental Injuries

While it’s common knowledge that you should see a doctor after a car accident, it’s less well-known that you may need to see a dentist as well. Some signs of serious dental injuries include:

• Jaw pain. Jaw pain is a sign of a dental injury, especially when it comes along with clicking sounds in the jaw, difficulty chewing, or stiffness in the jaw.
• Loss of a tooth. A tooth falling out is an obvious sign that something is wrong, especially when it occurs shortly after a car accident.
• Loose or wiggly teeth. Be on the lookout for loose teeth after a collision. When the connection between teeth and gum tissue is weakened, loose teeth are common. Without prompt treatment, tooth loss is likely to follow.
• Visible tooth damage. If your tooth is visibly chipped or cracked, it’s important to seek prompt dental attention. If the damage is not repaired, it could extend to the root and require removal.
• Pain is always a warning sign from your body, and dental pain is especially worrisome. Look for pain that originates in the teeth and radiates into the gums or jaw.

Injuries vary, but some of the most common ones caused by car accidents include:

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth are common when you experience significant trauma to the head. Hitting your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag could cause a tooth to chip or break. While this is often a cosmetic injury that is fairly easy to fix, it is much more serious when the break extends to the root.

Fractured Root

When the root of the tooth is fractured, you’ll likely experience severe pain that may radiate into nearby teeth and gum tissue. This often requires surgical treatment or even removal of the tooth, depending on how severe the break is and how deep it extends into the root. Leaving the root exposed puts you at risk for infection and severe pain.

Luxated Tooth

If the tooth becomes dislodged from its socket, you may be able to see that it looks out of place. You may also notice that it feels “off” or is painful. Depending on the type of accident and the direction of the force, your tooth may be jammed up into its socket, yanked loose from its socket, or shoved sideways into your gums.

Avulsed Tooth

You may have suffered an avulsed tooth if your tooth is completely knocked out in a crash. In many cases, the affected tooth cannot be saved. While a carefully removed tooth may be able to be put back in, a tooth that is knocked out forcefully may have jagged edges and broken pieces that prevent that. This type of injury often requires an artificial tooth.

Compensation for Tooth Injuries

Dental treatment is prohibitively expensive for many people, so if your injury was caused by someone else’s reckless driving, it’s fair to demand that they pay for it. Dental injuries can do more than just physical damage. These injuries often affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem, possibly causing some emotional trauma.

The first step in getting the compensation you deserve is connecting with a personal injury attorney in Mobile, AL. Getting the insurance company to make a fair offer requires a strong case that links the other driver to the accident and your injuries.

Find Out How Hedge Copeland Can Help You

Our team knows what it takes to prove your claim and push for the compensation you are owed. Don’t let a dental injury damage your self-esteem and financial wellbeing. Turn to Hedge Copeland to fight for you. Call our team at 251-432-8844 or contact us online to take the first step.