Common Dental Injuries Associated with Car Accidents

Content Legally Reviewed By Matt Conner

Accident Attorneys Fighting for Victims of Dental Injuries in Vehicle Crashes throughout Washington

While most know about the typical car accident injuries, such as broken bones, most do not realize that there is a high risk for dental injuries. Dental injuries are extremely serious and costly to correct. For some, it could require restoration and years of agony.

Dental injuries are most common during catastrophic motor vehicle accidents. In these situations, victims may ignore their dental injuries simply because they are dealing with more traumatic physical injuries. Also, whiplash can affect a person’s jaw, head, and mouth, depending on where he or she was facing at the time of the accident.

The Most Common Types of Dental Injuries

Dental injuries can be direct or indirect. The type of injury one suffers will depend on how much force is encountered at the time of impact. Direct injuries are those that happen when the mouth or head are struck by something. Indirect injuries happen when the open mouth closes and causes damage to itself.

Both indirect and direct injuries are extremely painful. Here are some common dental injuries:

• Avulsed Tooth Injuries: Avulsed tooth injuries are when the tooth is knocked loose from the socket. Sometimes, the tooth can be recovered, but in most cases the tooth is replaced with a synthetic replacement.
• Luxation of the Tooth: This is a dental injury that loosens the tooth, but does not completely remove it at the time of impact. A dentist can treat this injury by pushing the tooth back into its original position. However, if the root is too far damaged, then the tooth might require removal.
• Fractured Teeth: Dental fractures require professional treatment and could come in many forms. The tooth may be rough, but otherwise intact. Other times, the dentin is exposed and the outside layers of the enamel damaged. There are more severe fractures that affect the pulp layers, which create a heightened sensitivity in the tooth.
• Root Fractures: A root fracture is when the root tip is damaged. If the fracture is too close to the gum line, the chances of recovering are limited and a stabilization splint is used to help the root recover with as little damage as possible.

Aside from injuries to the teeth, a person could also suffer serious jaw and mouth injuries. For example, a person could suffer from a bite on the tongue, lacerated lips, or even a jaw break.

Dental and Mouth Injuries Are Costly

Dental injuries are some of the costlier injuries because most insurance companies do not cover them. Therefore, the patient must pay out-of-pocket for these treatments, and often have multiple follow-up and restorative treatments to complete to recover fully from the accident.

Seeking Compensation is the Only Way to Relieve the Costs

If a person has been involved in a car accident, and the other driver was negligent, the victim may be able to sue that driver and collect compensation for his or her dental and mouth injuries. To ensure that the plaintiff is successful, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney.

The personal injury law team at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, PLLC can help you or a loved one with your car accident injuries – including dental injuries. Schedule a free consultation now by calling our offices at 800-925-1875 or contacting us online with your questions.

About the Author

Matt Conner

Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.

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