Life happens fast—and sometimes, your teeth end up paying the price. Whether it’s a weekend sports game, a slip on the stairs, or an unexpected run-in with the pavement, dental injuries are more common than you might think.
At Grateful Dental in Marietta, we see all kinds of dental emergencies. Knowing what to expect—and what to do—can make a huge difference when time is of the essence. Let’s dive into the most common dental injuries, how they happen, and how our emergency dental team can help save your smile when accidents strike.
Tooth Knocked Out (Avulsion)
Few things make your heart sink faster than realizing a tooth has been knocked completely out. Tooth avulsions are often the result of sports injuries, car accidents, or serious falls.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in both children and adults.
What to do if it happens:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Rinse it gently if dirty—do not scrub or remove tissue fragments.
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it there.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation kit.
Time is critical—getting to an emergency dentist in Marietta within 30 minutes gives the best chance for saving the tooth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chipped and broken teeth are some of the most common dental injuries. They can happen from something as dramatic as a sports collision—or something as simple as biting into a popcorn kernel.
Not all chips cause pain, but even small cracks can expose the inner layers of your tooth, leading to sensitivity and infection if not treated.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any broken pieces if you can.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- See your dentist promptly, even if the damage seems minor.
At Grateful Dental, we offer same-day appointments to handle dental emergencies like chipped or fractured teeth quickly and comfortably.
Cracked Tooth (Fracture)
A cracked tooth isn’t always visible, but it can cause sharp pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Left untreated, cracks can widen and eventually split the tooth, leading to the need for more invasive treatments like root canals or extractions.
Common causes include:
- Biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candy, or nuts
- Trauma from accidents or sports
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
If you suspect a crack:
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Stay away from extreme temperatures in food and drink.
- Contact your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Cracks often require crowns to restore the tooth’s strength and prevent further damage.
Dislodged (Luxated) Tooth
A luxated tooth is one that has been pushed out of its normal position—either sideways, inward, or outward—but hasn’t been knocked out completely.
This type of injury is common in contact sports or falls and usually requires urgent dental care to reposition and stabilize the tooth.
Signs of a dislodged tooth include:
- Tooth appears out of alignment
- Pain or pressure in the affected area
- Bleeding around the gumline
Emergency dentists in Marietta, like our team at Grateful Dental, are trained to gently reposition luxated teeth and secure them with a splint to encourage proper healing.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Gums, Lips, and Cheeks
It’s not just teeth that suffer in an accident—your gums, lips, and cheeks can take a beating too. Lacerations and puncture wounds inside the mouth often bleed heavily and require careful treatment to prevent infection.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Seek professional dental care if bleeding doesn’t stop or if the wound is deep.
In some cases, stitches may be necessary to properly close the wound.
Root Fractures
Root fractures happen below the gumline and often aren’t visible to the naked eye. They can result from direct trauma, like being hit in the mouth or jaw.
Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, treatment may involve root canal therapy, splinting, or in severe cases, extraction.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain when biting
- Swelling around the gum
- Loosening of the affected tooth
Only a dental X-ray can confirm a root fracture, so if you suspect something is wrong after an impact, it’s important to get checked out.
How an Emergency Dentist in Marietta Can Help
Dental injuries can be scary, but quick action makes all the difference. At Grateful Dental, we provide prompt, expert care when accidents happen—whether you need a tooth saved, a crack repaired, or just peace of mind.
Our emergency services include:
- Same-day appointments for urgent issues
- Expert handling of knocked-out, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Immediate pain relief and stabilization
- Restorative solutions to protect and save damaged teeth
- Personalized care from a trusted team that understands the importance of your smile
If you’re searching for an emergency dentist in Marietta, you can trust Dr. Leia Porcaro and the Grateful Dental team to provide fast, compassionate care when you need it most.
Tips to Prevent Dental Injuries This Summer
Accidents aren’t always avoidable, but a few smart habits can reduce your risk:
- Wear a mouthguard: Whether you play sports or grind your teeth at night, custom mouthguards protect your smile.
- Avoid chewing hard objects: Ice, pens, and popcorn kernels are all tough on teeth.
- Practice safe play: Helmets and facial guards help prevent trauma during sports and recreational activities.
- Keep up with dental checkups: Regular visits allow your dentist to spot and address weak spots before they become bigger problems.
Stay Ready, Stay Smiling
Summer should be about making memories—not making emergency dental visits. But if life throws you a curveball, Grateful Dental in Marietta is here to help protect your smile.
If you or a loved one experiences a dental injury, don’t wait. Contact Grateful Dental immediately for fast, expert care you can trust.
Your smile deserves nothing less.
