Millions of injuries are caused during car accidents each year. Facial damage and dental injuries are common during serious collisions.
Both traumatic dental injuries and temporomandibular joint damage (TMJ) can occur during a vehicle crash. Even if it seems like the only damage is a chipped tooth, other teeth could have been injured upon impact. The only way to know for sure is to get a thorough dental exam, says the American Association of Endodontists.
Getting a dental checkup after a car accident is a good idea, because accident victims often fail to notice dental injuries right away in the face of more severe and potentially life-threatening issues. However, if tooth injuries are left untreated they can cause significant pain. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a vehicle collision; while it often injures the neck, it can also cause damage to the jaw, teeth, and mouth depending how the victim was positioned during the impact.
Dental injuries can direct (meaning the head or mouth was struck by or strikes an object, such as a steering wheel) or indirect (an open mouth closes abruptly). There are three main types of tooth injuries that occur during car accidents: avulsed tooth, tooth luxation, and fractured teeth. An avulsed tooth is completely knocked out of the socket and requires immediate medical attention to replace it. Tooth luxation means that the tooth is loose but still in the socket; it is advisable to consult a dentist. Fractured teeth require dental treatment.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
