When you’re injured in an accident, one of the first things you need to do is see your doctor to have your injuries diagnosed and to get the treatment you need. You should also head to your dentist shortly afterward to have your dental injuries diagnosed – even if you don’t feel you’ve suffered a dental injury. This is because some kinds of dental injury, like tiny fractures in the teeth, can sometimes go unnoticed at first. Left untreated, these small issues can become substantial ones.
Your Philadelphia personal injury attorney can refer you to a dentist who is qualified to diagnose and treat your injuries. Talk to him or her about seeking dental healthcare and pursuing compensation for its cost through your personal injury claim.
Ways your Teeth and Mouth can be Injured in an Accident
There are many different ways your teeth and mouth can be injured in an accident. These include:
- Tooth intrusion. This is when a tooth is slammed into the jawbone, which can cause the tooth to “die” by damaging its interior pulp;
- Cracked teeth;
- Fractures in a tooth’s roots;
- Injuries to the jawbone;
- Teeth being knocked out; and
- Chipped teeth.
Some of these injuries are relatively minor, like chipped teeth. Others, like tooth intrusion, can have serious complications like the shortening of the affected tooth’s roots. Even seemingly minor conditions like cracked teeth can have a big impact on your life, like making your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and negatively impacting your self-image. In extreme cases, losing one or more teeth can permanently alter your appearance, and not just by leaving gaps in your smile. Your facial structure can change when it does not have your teeth to support your skin and muscles.
Dental Procedures you Might Need After an Accident
After diagnosing your dental injuries, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatments for them. You might need to have one or more teeth capped, filled, or removed. You might also need to undergo a root canal and in an extreme case, oral surgery.
Get the Dental Healthcare you Need Now
Many of us aren’t as urgent about getting dental healthcare as we are about seeking medical attention for other types of injuries. This type of mindset can lead to long-lasting dental problems and injuries going untreated, potentially putting you at risk of suffering new injuries. One reason for this is that dental care is expensive, and many Americans do not have dental coverage.
Do not let your concerns about the cost of dental care keep you from getting the care you need. When a dental problem also poses medical risks, it may be covered by medical insurance. Additionally, you can pursue compensation for your out-of-pocket dental care costs through your personal injury claim if you choose to file one. Talk to your lawyer about pursuing compensation for these expenses, because you deserve to make a full recovery after suffering an accidental injury.
