Dental Trauma & Accident-Related Dental Care

Get the right help first

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for trouble breathing, bleeding that will not stop, or a serious head, face, or jaw injury. Do not delay medical help to book a dental visit.

An adult tooth that has been knocked out needs immediate dental attention. Hold it by the white chewing part, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist in cow's milk while getting help. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket.

For an injured tooth, call a dentist promptly and explain what happened. If you cannot reach us, seek another available emergency dental service. An appointment request does not confirm immediate care.

• More emergency dental guidance

Changes to watch for after an impact

Dental injuries can affect the visible part of a tooth, its root, or the tissues that support it. Nearby teeth may also need examination even if only one tooth seems damaged.

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Loose, displaced, or knocked-out teeth
• Broken fillings, crowns, or other dental work
• Pain, sensitivity, or a bite that feels different

Dental care after a car accident

After a collision, get any needed medical care first. If your teeth or bite were affected, arrange dental follow-up even if you were evaluated in an emergency department or urgent-care center.

Tell the dentist about the impact and any changes you have noticed. A dental examination can assess the injury and help identify what needs treatment or monitoring. Seeking care promptly also creates a record of the findings at that visit.

What your dental visit can address

Your visit starts with the injury history, an examination, and imaging when appropriate. We check the affected teeth and bite and explain what needs attention.

Care may involve repairing a damaged tooth, removing a tooth that cannot be kept, or planning tooth replacement. We discuss options based on the examination. When an injury needs care outside our scope, we help coordinate a specialist referral.

Some injuries need repeat examinations because a tooth's response can change over time. We explain the follow-up recommended for your injury.

• Repairing or replacing damaged teeth
• Crowns for damaged teeth
• Dental implant options

Records and coordination after an accident

Tell us about the injury and any care you have already received. Relevant records from a previous dentist or medical visit can help us understand your dental condition before and after the accident.

We distinguish your reported history from the findings of the examination. Appropriate records can describe the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and recommended follow-up, including uncertainty about future treatment.

Ask us about obtaining treatment records or an itemized receipt. With your authorization, we can coordinate relevant information with your dentist, medical provider, specialist, insurer or attorney. A dental record does not determine insurance eligibility or a legal outcome.

Paying for accident-related dental care

Accident-related expenses may sometimes be paid through auto medical-payment coverage, medical or dental insurance, a liability claim, settlement funds, or your own payment. The options depend on your policy and circumstances. Coverage and reimbursement are not guaranteed.

Ask your insurer what benefits and documentation requirements apply. We can explain the recommended dental care and estimated costs so you can discuss payment before treatment.

You can still book a dental evaluation if you have already received an insurance payment or settlement. Tell us about care that remains unfinished and what you want to address. We can discuss treatment priorities and payment options with you.

• Payment and financing options
• Dental insurance information

What to bring

Bring what you have available. Do not put off urgent care while gathering paperwork.

• The date of the injury and a description of what happened
• A list of medications and allergies
• Relevant dental or medical records, including imaging if available
• Insurance cards and claim information, if applicable
• Contact information for providers or an attorney you want us to coordinate with

• New-patient visit information
• Contact Canobie Dental