Types of Traumatic Dental Injuries We Treat
Dental trauma can range from minor chips to severe fractures and tooth loss. At Kennedy Dental Care, we treat a wide range of injuries, including:
- Chipped or fractured teeth – Small chips may be smoothed out, while larger fractures may require bonding, crowns, or other restorative treatments.
- Knocked-out teeth (avulsed teeth) – A tooth that has been completely dislodged should be treated immediately for the best chance of saving it.
- Dislodged (luxated) teeth – A tooth that has been pushed out of position or into the gum requires urgent stabilization.
- Soft tissue injuries – Cuts to the gums, lips, or inside of the mouth should be cleaned and treated properly to prevent infection.
- Root fractures – A tooth may appear intact, but damage beneath the gumline may require intervention.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
The right response immediately after a traumatic dental injury can make all the difference in saving a tooth and reducing pain. Here’s what to do in common situations:
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Retrieve the tooth by the crown, avoiding the root.
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
- Seek immediate emergency dental care—the sooner the tooth is reinserted, the better the chances of saving it.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
- Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove debris.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to the appointment.
Loose or Misaligned Tooth
- Try to gently reposition the tooth without forcing it.
- Call our office immediately for an evaluation.
Soft Tissue Injury (Lips, Gums, or Cheeks)
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, seek immediate care.
For same-day emergency dental care, contact Kennedy Dental Care at (361) 992-9500.
How We Treat Traumatic Dental Injuries
Our goal is to restore both function and appearance while minimizing discomfort. Treatment options depend on the severity of the injury and may include:
- Dental Bonding or Fillings – Minor chips or cracks can often be repaired with composite resin for a seamless appearance.
- Dental Crowns – For more extensive damage, a crown may be placed to restore the tooth’s structure.
- Tooth Extraction & Replacement – If a tooth cannot be saved, we offer gentle extractions and options for restoring your smile.
- Orthodontic Stabilization – If a tooth has been knocked out of alignment, orthodontic treatment may be needed to reposition it.
Our digital X-ray technology allows us to assess hidden damage and create a customized treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Preventing Traumatic Dental Injuries
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, preventative steps can reduce the risk of dental injuries:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and high-impact activities.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy.
- Use scissors instead of your teeth to open packages.
- Ensure children’s play areas are safe and free of hazards.
For young athletes, we offer custom-fitted sports mouthguards to protect against injuries. Ask about preventative dental care at your next visit!
A Community-Focused Approach to Dental Care
At Kennedy Dental Care, we have served Corpus Christi and surrounding areas for over five decades, providing trusted, high-quality dental care to generations of families. Patients choose us because:
- We have a 4.9-star average rating, reflecting our commitment to excellent care.
- Our experienced dental team stays current with the latest advancements in emergency and restorative dentistry.
- We believe every child deserves access to dental care, even if it’s not with us.
- Our practice offers four convenient locations, making emergency care accessible for families throughout the community.
Schedule Emergency Care for a Traumatic Dental Injury
If you’ve experienced a dental injury, seeking immediate treatment can save your tooth and prevent long-term complications. Kennedy Dental Care is here to help with same-day emergency appointments at any of our four locations in Corpus Christi, Portland, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown.
Visit one of our four locations in Corpus Christi:
- Saratoga – 6200 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
- Alameda - 3435 S Alameda St A, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
- Staples - 5525 S Staples St STE B4, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
- Calallen – 13725 Northwest Boulevard, Suite 270, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Call (361) 992-9500 for immediate assistance or schedule an appointment online.
