Dental emergencies don’t just involve pain—they often involve trauma, and that requires a thorough and experienced approach.
At Optum Dental Arts, we treat more than just cracked or broken teeth. We also evaluate for damage to the roots, supporting bone, and surrounding soft tissues. If you’ve suffered an accident or facial injury, we’ll carefully check for things like fractured bone, embedded foreign objects in the lips or gums, and signs of infection or internal damage. Prompt, expert treatment can preserve your smile and prevent long-term complications.
Whether your injury stems from a fall, sports accident, or unexpected impact, our team is equipped with the technology, compassion, and precision needed to restore your smile and your peace of mind.
What To Do After A Dental Injury
After experiencing dental trauma, knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a major difference in the outcome. Taking these immediate steps can help minimize pain and protect the affected area until you can be seen:
- Rinse gently with warm water to cleanse the area.
- Control bleeding by applying clean gauze and light pressure.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling or bruising.
- Avoid chewing on the injured side and do not attempt to reposition teeth.
- Locate and preserve any dislodged teeth or fragments—keep them in milk or a tooth preservation kit if available.
If you’re in pain or unsure about the severity of your injury, don’t wait. Call us immediately for guidance.
Types Of Dental Trauma We Treat
At Optum Dental Arts, our approach to trauma is comprehensive. We evaluate not only visible damage but also the underlying structures that may not show symptoms right away. Using advanced diagnostic tools such as 3D imaging and CBCT scans, we can assess deeper issues and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Common traumatic dental injuries we treat:
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Dislodged (luxated) teeth
- Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth
- Root fractures or pulp exposure
- Soft tissue injuries (lips, gums, tongue)
- Jaw trauma or bone fractures
- Foreign object impaction
- Tooth discoloration or internal damage following impact
How We Repair Dental Trauma
Once you arrive, we’ll perform a complete evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. Every treatment plan is customized based on your needs, symptoms, and the type of injury. Our goal is always the same: preserve what we can, restore what’s needed, and make the experience as stress-free as possible.
Common trauma repair treatments include:
- Dental bonding for minor chips or fractures
- Crowns to protect structurally weakened teeth
- Root canal therapy for teeth with exposed or damaged pulp
- Splinting to stabilize loose or dislodged teeth
- Extraction and dental implants for unsalvageable teeth
- Soft tissue repair using advanced techniques for cuts or lacerations
- Antibiotic therapy or drainage if signs of infection are present
Is It A Dental Emergency?
Not all dental trauma requires urgent treatment—but some situations can’t wait. If you experience any of the following, call us right away:
- A tooth is knocked out completely
- Persistent or severe pain
- Swelling of the jaw or face
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- A visible crack or break that extends below the gumline
- A tooth that feels loose or out of alignment
- Signs of infection such as pus, fever, or a foul taste
The faster you act, the greater the chance we can save and restore the affected teeth and tissues.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
While accidents happen, there are ways to reduce your risk of future dental trauma:
- Wear a custom mouthguard when playing contact sports.
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies.
- Keep up with routine exams to catch weaknesses in teeth or restorations.
- Be cautious with activities that pose fall risks.
Advanced Dentistry. Immediate Care. Real Results.
At Optum Dental Arts, we take dental trauma seriously—and we treat it with the same level of care, attention, and personalized service that defines everything we do. From your first call to your last visit, our team is here to support your healing physically and emotionally.
If you’ve experienced a dental injury, don’t wait. Call now to schedule your emergency visit or come directly to our Tampa, FL office. We’ll restore your smile—and your confidence—with the skill and compassion you deserve.