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4001 Laurel Street Suite 208 Anchorage, AK 99508

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Home / Our Procedures / Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic Injuries To The
Mouth

DISLODGED TEETH

Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Drs. Jeppson, Baker, Sharp or your general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be implanted.

Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, your endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. Yet, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required. If left untreated, many different complications can arise. These complications can include but are not limited to: Infection of the tooth, root system or surrounding tissue, inadequate hygiene due to an inability to properly clean the dislodged tooth and the gums, and loss of the tooth.

AVULSED TEETH

If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt.) Drs. Jeppson, Baker or Sharp may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive.

TOOTH INJURIES IN CHILDREN

An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth:

Apexogenesis

This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth.

Apexification

In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.

Testimonials

Our Patients Most Valuable Words

Holly Anderson
2023-10-18
Very welcoming and friendly staff. Clean and comfortable facility. My 17-year-old son had to have a root canal. They explained everything very thoroughly. Dr. Baker and his assistant Morgan have a great bedside manner. My son said it actually went way better than he thought it would, he was nervous to have a root canal done for the first time. The whole experience was very pleasant. Would highly recommend.
Beth Springer
2023-10-12
My visit went well. Everyone was friendly, kind, and hospitable from the front desk, dental assistant and the doctor. Dr. Jeppson has a wonderful chair side manner. The dental assistant was amazing! I highly recommend Dr. Jeppson!
brandon radeke
2023-10-05
I was able to get scheduled within a couple days. Root canal was quick and professional without any complications
Reba Z
2023-09-29
The most pain-free root canal I’ve ever had! Friendly, professional and kind!
Penny Wingo
2023-09-27
Great office. Staff friendly and helpful. Procedure was very tolerable. Would recommend to anyone who needs a root canal or other procedure!!!
P
2023-08-29
Great staff. Excellent procedure. I was able to get an appointment with relatively short notice. Very happy with everything.
Ray Burns
2023-08-29
I had a root canal by Dr. Jeppson. My entire experience was AWESOME! The procedure was absolutely pain free! The staff is very friendly as well.
Sloan Medders
2023-08-02
The staff and doctors were so amazing! Everyone made me feel comfortable, and taken care of.
Leeann W
2023-08-02
I had a great experience. The whole staff is amazing!