What is a dental injury?

A dental injury refers to any type of damage or abnormality affecting the teeth or surrounding supporting structures, such as enamel, dentin, dental pulp, gums, or alveolar bone. Dental lesions can take various forms, including caries, fractures, erosions, abrasions, and pulpal necrosis. They can be caused by external factors, such as trauma, or result from internal processes, such as infections or diseases.

Why does tooth damage occur?

Dental damage can occur for several reasons:

Dental Caries: They are caused by the demineralization of dental enamel due to the acidity produced by dental plaque bacteria which feed on the sugars present in the mouth.

Trauma: Physical impacts on the mouth during accidents, falls, sporting contact, or chewing very hard foods can cause tooth fractures or cracks.

Wear: Excessive wear of the teeth from bruxism (teeth grinding) or improper use of the teeth (such as opening packages with the teeth) can lead to dental abrasions or erosions.

Periodontal Diseases: Infections and diseases affecting the gums and alveolar bone can lead to loss of support for teeth, causing them to become loose or fall out.

Bad Eating Habits: Excessive consumption of acidic or sugary foods and drinks can contribute to dental erosion and caries.

How does tooth injury occur?

The process of formation of a dental lesion varies depending on the type of lesion:

Cavities: Plaque builds up on tooth surfaces, and bacteria in the plaque convert sugars from food into acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities.

Fractures: Direct impact to a tooth, excessive pressure from grinding teeth, or chewing hard foods can cause fractures or cracks.

Erosions and Abrasions: Erosion is generally caused by repeated exposure to acidic substances (in the diet or gastric reflux), while abrasion results from mechanical friction (brushing too vigorously, using teeth as tools ).

Pulp Necrosis: It can occur as a result of deep decay, dental trauma or a dental procedure, where the blood supply to the pulp is interrupted, leading to the death of the pulp tissue.

How can these lesions form?

Dental lesions can form through a variety of means, often reflecting the general state of a person’s oral health as well as their lifestyle habits. Common causes include:

Dental Cavities: They develop when bacteria in the mouth transform sugars in food into acids, attacking tooth enamel.

Acid Erosion: Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel, creating lesions.

Trauma: Direct impacts, such as those caused by accidents or sports injuries, can cause fractures or cracks in the teeth.

Bruxism: Grinding or clenching of teeth, often unconscious and during sleep, can wear down or damage teeth.

Periodontal Diseases: Gum infections can cause gum recession and exposure of tooth roots, leading to lesions.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Lack of brushing and flossing promotes plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

How is a Tooth Injury Treated?

Treatment for a dental injury depends on its cause and severity. Here are some common approaches:

Fillings: Cavities are usually treated with fillings, where the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills it with a restorative material.

Crowns: For more severely damaged teeth, a crown may be needed to cover and protect the tooth.

Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal): If the lesion reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal treatment may be required to remove the infected tissue.

Dental Extraction: In cases where the tooth is too damaged to save, it may need to be extracted.

Gum Grafts: For lesions caused by gum recession, a gum graft may be performed to cover the exposed root.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease: This may include deep cleaning, medication, and sometimes surgery to restore the supporting tissues.

Is a Tooth Extraction with Lesions Performed?

Yes, a tooth extraction can be performed on a damaged tooth, especially if the tooth is considered unsalvageable. Extraction is often considered a last resort when other treatments are not viable or have failed. Reasons for performing an extraction include:

A serious infection that cannot be controlled by antibiotic treatments or root canal treatment.

Extensive tooth decay that has destroyed much of the tooth structure.

Advanced periodontal disease where the tooth has become very mobile due to loss of bone support.

How Does a Tooth Injury Occur?

A dental injury is the result of a process where the normal structure of a tooth is compromised, resulting in damage that can affect the enamel, dentin, or pulp. This process can take place in several ways:

Enamel Demineralization: The first step in the formation of a dental lesion is often the demineralization of the enamel. This happens when the acids produced by plaque bacteria attack the enamel, making it weaker and susceptible to damage.

Progression to Dentin: If the lesion is left untreated, it can progress through the enamel and reach dentin, a softer and more sensitive part of the tooth.

Pulp Injury: In advanced cases, the lesion can reach the pulp of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels are located, leading to pain and sometimes infections.

What Causes Dental Lesions to Form?

Dental damage can be caused by a variety of factors, often related to oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle:

Dental Caries: The most common cause of tooth damage. Cavities develop when plaque bacteria convert sugars into acids that attack enamel.

Acid Erosion: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel.

Trauma: Impacts or injuries can cause fractures or cracks in the teeth, leading to lesions.

Wear: Excessive wear, for example due to bruxism (teeth grinding), can also cause damage.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Insufficient brushing or flossing incorrectly can allow plaque to build up and cause sores.

What are the Causes of Lesions that Occur on the Teeth?

The causes of dental lesions are multiple and can vary depending on age, genetics, and lifestyle habits:

Bacteria and Cavities: The main cause of tooth damage is tooth decay, caused by bacteria that feed on sugars in the diet and produce enamel-destroying acids.

Dental Erosion: Repeated exposure to acidic substances, either through diet or gastrointestinal disorders, can cause enamel erosion.

Dental Trauma: Accidents, contact sports, or any form of physical trauma can cause direct damage to teeth.

Abfraction: Abfraction lesions occur as a result of repeated bending forces on the teeth, often due to bruxism or poor occlusion.

Abrasion: Mechanical wear of teeth from brushing too vigorously or using abrasive toothpastes can also cause damage.

How is a Tooth Injury Treated?

The treatment of a dental injury depends on its type, location, and severity. Here are the most common approaches:

Fillings: For minor to moderate cavities, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and replaces it with a restorative material.

Inlays and Onlays: When the decay is too large for a filling but not enough to warrant a crown, inlays or onlays may be used.

Crowns: For severely damaged teeth, a crown may be placed to cover and protect the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment: If the lesion reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal treatment is necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

Extraction: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, it must be extracted to prevent further infections.

Gum Grafts: For lesions caused by gum recession, a graft can help cover the exposed root.

Preventive Measures: Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are essential to prevent dental damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Dental Injury?

Symptoms of tooth injury can vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of the injury. Common signs include:

Dental Pain: Can range from mild to severe, often aggravated by heat, cold, or chewing.

Dental Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold temperatures, or sweets.

Color Change: A blackened tooth or stains may indicate damage.

Swollen Gums: Around the affected tooth, potentially indicating an infection.

Bad Breath: May be a sign of underlying infection.

Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the injury can lead to tooth loss.

Does a Lesion on the Tooth Cause Pain?

Yes, a lesion on the tooth can cause pain, but it depends on the location, depth, and nature of the lesion. Superficial lesions may not cause immediate pain, while deep lesions affecting the dentin or dental pulp may cause significant pain. Pain may manifest as increased sensitivity or sharp pain in response to stimuli such as hot, cold, or pressure when chewing. In some cases, a lesion may not cause pain until it reaches an advanced stage, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection.

Is a Tooth Extraction with Lesions Performed?

Yes, a tooth extraction can be performed on a damaged tooth, particularly when other treatment options are not viable or the tooth is considered unsalvageable. Reasons for performing an extraction include:

Serious Infection: Which cannot be controlled by antibiotic treatments or root canal treatment.

Extensive Damage: When tooth decay or injury has destroyed a large part of the tooth structure, making it impossible to restore it.

Advanced Periodontal Disease: Where the tooth is extremely mobile due to loss of bone support, making it impossible to maintain it.

Orthodontic Preparation: Sometimes teeth with lesions are extracted to facilitate orthodontic treatments.

Extraction is generally considered a last resort after all other possible treatment options have been evaluated. After an extraction, tooth replacement options, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, can be discussed to restore function and aesthetics.

Dental Injury Treatment Prices 2024

The costs associated with treating dental injuries can vary considerably depending on the type of treatment needed, the complexity of the case, the geographic location, and the practitioner’s fees. Here is an indicative price range based on common treatments, although these costs may vary:

Fillings: Between 50 and 300 euros per tooth, depending on the material used (amalgam, composite, etc.).

Crowns: From 500 to 1500 euros per crown, depending on the material (porcelain, metal, ceramic, etc.).

Root Canal Treatment: Between 300 and 1200 euros per tooth, depending on the complexity and the tooth concerned.

Dental Extraction: From 75 to 600 euros, depending on the difficulty of the extraction (simple, surgical, etc.).

Dental Implants: Between 1000 and 3000 euros per implant, not including the cost of the crown.

Gum grafts: From 500 to 2000 euros, depending on the extent of the graft necessary.