Millions of people are injured every year in all types of motor vehicle accidents. Among these incidents, auto accident lawyers find that a considerable number of people sustain traumatic injuries to the face and jaw that result in dental injuries.
If you have suffered a dental injury in a car accident, auto accident attorneys understand that you may be experiencing extreme pain. You may also require extensive treatment to repair damage to your teeth or jaw. Lawyers stress the importance of getting treatment for your dental injuries as quickly as possible to improve your chance of a successful recovery.
Dental Trauma - A Significant Issue In Auto Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a source of all types of painful and debilitating injuries, including those to the face and mouth. In a 2014 study of maxillofacial injury prevalence, road traffic accidents (RTAs) were found to be the main cause of maxillofacial injuries that included jaw fractures and dental trauma.1
RTAs were responsible for 76% of all maxillofacial injuries sustained during the survey period.1 These injuries are in large part due to hitting seats, dashboards, and other parts of the vehicle or by being hit by loose items, cargo, flying glass, or other objects. In rarer instances, auto accident lawyers say that dental trauma may occur during a crash due to airbag deployment.
Types of Dental Trauma Common in Auto Accidents
Among all traumatic dental injuries that attorneys state their clients have sustained, some of the more common ones include the following:
- Chipped and Fractured Teeth - Gauged in three different categories based on severity, auto accident attorneys find that fractured teeth from hairline fractures and root fractures to chipped and partially broken teeth are one of the most common of all dental trauma sustained in auto crashes. Such injury could damage the enamel or expose the root. Root fractures could result in loss of the tooth.
- Tooth Luxations - Luxations is trauma to a tooth that knocks it loose without actually breaking or knocking it out. This injury is more common than suspected and can be challenging to detect. Treatment depends on the severity of the luxation and whether it can be stabilized.
- Avulsed Tooth - A tooth avulsion, which is when a tooth is completely knocked out, is another common dental trauma sustained in vehicle crashes. Occasionally the original tooth can be replaced if it is found; however, avulsions must often be repaired with artificial teeth.
The type and severity of dental trauma can vary depending on how it occurs, the speed at which the accident happened, and the position of the victim’s mouth and jaw at the time of impact.
Dental Trauma Is Serious
Whether they are minor fractures, luxations, or extensive injuries like avulsions and severe fractures, dental trauma should always be taken seriously and treated as quickly as possible. They can be extremely painful and many require extensive treatment including dental surgery and other procedures.
Auto accident lawyers point out the fact that the treatment necessary to correct these injuries can be very costly and lengthy. Any delay in treatment may result in an increase in tooth damage or the inability to save affected teeth. Lawyers also express that delays in treatment may cause additional issues such as sinus problems and other medical issues.
If you have suffered dental trauma in a motor vehicle crash, auto accident attorneys stress that you should seek the attention of a dental surgeon who is experienced in auto trauma as quickly as possible. Even if you have only suffered a mild facial injury, many attorneys know that your teeth may still have been affected and should be carefully examined.
When this type of injury occurs, be sure to work with auto accident lawyers who can help to ensure you receive the treatment you need for your painful dental injuries!
Hildebrand & Wilson
Attorneys at Law
7930 Broadway, Suite 122
Pearland TX 77581
(281) 223-1666
1National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery: Study Analysis of Maxillofacial Injuries, 2014
