Dental Injuries Happen Suddenly | 医療法人社団EPSDC

Dental Emergencies Happen Suddenly: 5 Key Facts About Tooth Injuries You Should Know

— From the Director of Tokyo International Dental Roppongi

Our Experience

As the director of Tokyo International Dental Roppongi, I’ve treated many patients with tooth injuries (TDI), from their first visit to long-term care. I’ve seen countless cases where quick first aid at the scene, like after a fall in the park, a sports injury, or an accident causing a tooth to be knocked out or dislodged, made all the difference in saving the tooth.

Our Expertise

We are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating all kinds of tooth injuries, including dislodged teeth, broken teeth, teeth completely knocked out, and root fractures. We specialize in saving the nerve inside the tooth (pulp preservation) and replanting young permanent teeth. We always follow the latest evidence and research from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines. Our care covers both immediate emergency treatment and long-term check-ups to ensure the best results.

Our Authority

Our treatment plans are based on IADT guidelines and major scientific studies. We use methods proven by science to assess and treat injured teeth, considering information from dental conferences and research worldwide. This means you receive care based on the most reliable scientific approaches.

Our Trustworthiness

We explain everything clearly to patients and their guardians – from first aid steps (like how to replant a tooth, use special storage solutions, and transport it properly) to your treatment plan and long-term checks on how well the tooth works and looks. We make decisions together with you. We also share patient photos and progress reports, but only with your permission.

5 Key Facts Patients and Guardians Should Know

1) Tooth Injuries Are Common: 1 out of 3 people might experience one in their lifetime.

Statistics show these injuries happen often, especially in school-aged children and teenagers. This means it’s important for schools and families to be prepared.

2) Baby Tooth Injuries Can Affect Future Permanent Teeth.

If a baby tooth gets dislodged or there’s bone damage, it can harm the developing permanent tooth underneath. So, injuries to baby teeth should never be ignored. They require careful observation and tracking by a dental professional.

3) Young Permanent Teeth Have Amazing Healing Power — Saving the Nerve is Key.

Young permanent teeth with incomplete roots have a rich blood supply. This means we can often save the nerve inside (called “pulp preservation”), allowing the root to continue developing. Removing the nerve (root canal treatment) should only be a last resort.

4) If a Tooth Is Completely Knocked Out, “The First Few Minutes” at the Scene Decide Its Future.

The survival of the delicate cells on the tooth root is super important. Don’t let the tooth dry out! Keep it moist by placing it in milk or a special tooth-saving solution. If possible, gently put it back into its socket right away. The correct first steps at the scene greatly impact whether the tooth can be successfully replanted.

5) X-rays Alone Aren’t Enough to Judge Success: We Need a Patient-Centered, Overall Evaluation.

The IADT uses a “Core Outcome Set” (COS) which looks at more than just X-rays. It also evaluates how well the tooth functions, its appearance, any pain, psychological impact, and the burden of clinic visits. We focus on your long-term quality of life (QOL), not just short-term fixes.

First Aid & When to See a Dentist

If a permanent tooth is knocked out: Only touch the crown (the visible part) of the tooth, never the root. Place it in milk or a special tooth-saving solution within 30 minutes, or gently try to put it back in its socket if you can. Get to the dentist immediately.
If a tooth is dislodged or loose: If there’s bleeding or the tooth is wobbly, see a dentist as soon as possible. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in yourself.
If a tooth is broken and the nerve is exposed: See a dentist quickly to see if the nerve can be saved. For young teeth, we will actively try to preserve the nerve.
What to bring to your appointment: The knocked-out tooth (kept in solution), a note explaining how the injury happened, and the guardian’s contact information.

Our Clinic’s Approach

In emergencies, we respond quickly following guidelines. For long-term care, we monitor how well the tooth functions, its appearance, and your satisfaction through regular check-ups and imaging. We also offer preventive advice for schools and sports teams, such as using mouthguards and preventing falls.

A Message to Parents and Educators:

Accidents can happen, but what happens after an injury depends on knowing what to do and acting quickly. Simply knowing the right first aid steps can make a huge difference in saving a tooth for a lifetime. If you have any concerns or questions about first aid, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic anytime. We are here to help protect your smile and the smiles of your loved ones.

reference

Levin, L., Day, P. F., Hicks, L., O’Connell, A., Fouad, A. F., Bourguignon, C., & Abbott, P. V. (2020). International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: General introduction. Dental Traumatology, 36(4), 309-313.

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