Dental trauma explained: how an endodontist saves your smile
Imagine you’re watching a friend play soccer. They go for a header, collide with another player and suddenly they’re holding their mouth in pain. Or perhaps you’re enjoying movie night, bite down on an unpopped popcorn kernel and feel a sickening crack.
Dental trauma happens when you least expect it. Whether it’s a sports injury, a fall or a simple accident while eating, damage to your teeth can be alarming. The first instinct is often panic, followed by a rush to the emergency room or your general dentist. While those are good first steps, there is another specialist who plays a critical role in saving injured teeth: the endodontist.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we specialize in saving natural teeth that have been compromised by injury. While many people associate us only with root canals, our training goes much deeper. We are experts in diagnosing and treating traumatic dental emergencies to ensure your smile stays intact for years to come.
What is dental trauma?
Dental trauma refers to any physical injury to the teeth, gums or the bone that holds your tooth sockets. These injuries can range from minor chips in the enamel to severe fractures or teeth that have been completely knocked out.
Trauma is actually quite common. It often occurs during sports activities where there's contact with balls, equipment or other players. However, it’s not just athletes who are at risk. Automobile accidents, falls at home and biting down on hard foods like ice or hard candy are frequent culprits.
When a tooth undergoes trauma, the damage isn't always visible on the surface. The force of the impact can damage the pulp—the soft inner layer of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. If left untreated, this can lead to infection, discoloration, pain and eventually the loss of the tooth.
How endodontists help with dental trauma
Endodontists are dentists with two to three years of additional specialized training focused specifically on the interior of the tooth. This makes us uniquely qualified to manage dental trauma. Here is how we approach these urgent situations.
Diagnosis and assessment
The most critical step in treating trauma is an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes a tooth looks fine on the outside but is dying on the inside. Other times, a crack is so hairline that it’s invisible to the naked eye.
We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the health of the tooth pulp. This includes vitality testing to see if the nerves are still functioning properly. We also utilize high-resolution imaging technology. At our Fort Worth office, we use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This allows us to see 3D images of your tooth, the root canals and the surrounding bone structure. With this view, we can detect fractures and bone damage that standard dental x-rays might miss.
Root canal therapy
If the trauma has caused the pulp to become inflamed or infected, root canal therapy is often the best way to save the tooth. During this procedure, we remove the damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth and then fill and seal it.
Many patients worry that this will be painful, but modern root canal therapy is very similar to getting a routine filling. It relieves the pain caused by the injury rather than adding to it. Saving the natural tooth through this treatment is almost always superior to extraction, as it maintains your natural bite and jaw structure.
Apicoectomy
Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone trauma may develop inflammation or infection at the very tip of the root, even after a root canal procedure. In these cases, we may perform endodontic surgery known as an apicoectomy.
During this microsurgery, we open the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and remove any inflamed or infected tissue. We also remove the very end of the root tip. A small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gum to help the tissue heal. This procedure can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Cracked tooth management
Cracked teeth are a distinct type of dental trauma that requires specialized care. A crack can extend from the chewing surface of the tooth vertically towards the root. If the crack doesn't extend below the gum line, it's often possible to save the tooth.
We treat these by stabilizing the tooth and often performing a root canal if the crack has irritated the pulp. Early diagnosis is essential here. If a crack deepens and extends below the gum line, the tooth may become unsalvageable.
When to see an endodontist
Ideally, you should seek professional advice immediately after any injury to your mouth especially if you're experiencing tooth pain. While your general dentist is a great first point of contact, there are specific signs that indicate you should see an endodontist like Dr. Nieves or Dr. Fitzhugh.
Signs you need a specialist
Lingering pain: If you have sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts long after the source is removed, the pulp has likely been damaged.
Discoloration: If a traumatized tooth starts turning gray, yellow or pink, it indicates internal damage or bleeding within the tooth.
Swelling: Tenderness or swelling in the gums near the injured tooth can be a sign of infection or abscess.
Looseness: If the tooth feels loose in the socket (luxation), it needs immediate stabilization and evaluation.
Getting a referral
Your general dentist may refer you to us if the case is complex or requires the specialized equipment we have in our office. However, you don't always need to wait for a referral. If you're in severe pain or have a dental emergency involving trauma, you can call our office directly. We serve patients from all around the Fort Worth area, including Benbrook, Crowley, Willow Park, White Settlement, Aledo and Weatherford.
Benefits of seeing an endodontist for dental trauma
Choosing a specialist for your dental injury can make the difference between saving your tooth and losing it.
Expertise and specialization
Because we limit our practice to endodontic treatments, we perform these procedures every single day. We have the experience to handle difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals and unusual anatomy that can occur after trauma.
The right technology
Our office is equipped with advanced technology designed specifically for detailed tooth repair. From high-powered operating microscopes that allow us to see tiny details inside the root canal to GentleWave® technology that cleans the deepest parts of the tooth system, we have tools that general dental offices typically don't.
High success rates
Our goal is always to save your natural tooth. Nothing looks, feels or functions exactly like your natural tooth. By seeing a specialist who focuses on saving teeth, you maximize your chances of a successful outcome and a full recovery.
Your smile is worth saving, and WFWE is here to help
Dental trauma can be scary, but it doesn't have to mean losing your smile. Quick action and the right care team are your best defense against tooth loss. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth on a fork or taken an elbow to the mouth during a pickup basketball game, knowing who to call can save you a lifetime of dental complications.
If you or a family member experiences a dental injury, don't wait for the pain to become unbearable. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh are dedicated to providing the highest level of treatment possible to help you keep your natural teeth. Contact us immediately to set up an appointment so we can get your smile back on track.