Dental injuries that happen on the job are not particularly common, but they do occur in certain industries. People who suffer dental trauma at work may need treatment by Dentists in St Peter MN for immediate service to extract broken teeth, for after-care attention to make sure the mouth heals properly, and for teeth replacements. Workers compensation benefits may pay for all those expenses, depending on the person’s type of employment.
Relevant Research
Research has determined some statistical information about dental trauma at work. About six percent of reported job-related injuries include some amount of dental trauma. More than 70 percent of the workers affected are men, and most are in their 40s and 50s. As might be expected, industries in which these injuries tend to occur include manufacturing, construction, and farming.
Teeth With Nerve Damage
In some instances, Dentists in St Peter MN may treat patients who can retain their injured teeth after a work-related incident. Sometimes teeth are not broken or knocked out but are harmed by a substantial impact. That can kill the nerve in the tooth, which usually causes the tooth to turn dark. Dentists perform root canal therapy to prevent infection in a tooth. If the affected tooth is in front, the patient will probably want a crown to cover the entire tooth or a veneer adhered to the front for cosmetic purposes.
Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth also can result from an impact to the face. The tooth nerve may survive, but the patient may still feel dismayed about the change in his or her smile. A practitioner with a clinic such as North Mankato Family Dentistry may attach a veneer to the tooth to cover the surface or apply a bonding material to recreate the tooth’s original shape. This material is crafted to match the natural color of the person’s tooth.
Once the immediate traumatic experience has been managed, the patient may request the appointment to determine which option for cosmetic treatment would be most appropriate. Teeth with damaged nerves or chips can be covered. Missing teeth can be replaced with a fixed or removable bridge or with dental implants.
