Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 2/24/2007

Question
Dear Dr Steven,

Thanks for taking time out to help out in the community. As I currently do not have access to a proper dentist in my area, could i kindly seek your professional advice on this.

My 21yr old daughter recently went for an ice skating event with her girlfriends and fell on the face. She mentioned that she had hit her front upper tooth and lightly scratched her lower lips. There has been no sign of chipping but slight looseness in the gum area when she grinds her teeth. She complains of a slight sore when chewing or grinding her tooth and cant bite on hard objects like an apple with her front tooth. Is this considered as some form of tooth trauma?

Do you reckon we need to send her in for some form of surgery or is this a minor bruising that will go away after a few days? We are into her 3rd day and there are no signs of bleeding. She mentions that the looseness is getting slightly better but still has a sore and cant bite into hard objects like apples with her front tooth.

Many thanks

Answer
Martin,

It is likely that the tooth has been traumatized.  What isn't known is whether or not the tooth will be able to heal.  I recommend she see a dentist now to have an xray made.  This is an important baseline for comparison in the future.  A new xray or xrays will be needed in the future, and will be compared to the baseline film to help assess healing.  There are several types of problems that can develop subsequent to trauma.  These include root fracture, nerve death, infection, and root resorption.  Some of these can be treated, but the treatment is dependent on the type of problem and its location.

Healing following trauma often takes weeks, months, and sometimes years.  Careful professional monitoring during this period is very important.

Best wishes to you and your daughter.

Steve