Cosmetic Dentistry
Getting into an accident as a pedestrian can be terrifying. You may be completely minding the rules of the road: crossing at a crosswalk, waiting for your walk signal, and looking in both directions before crossing the street. Even when we do this, however, it is still possible that a car will come out of nowhere and hit you. When this happens, the damage can be severe. It can not only cause you physical trauma, but it can make you fearful of even walking in public again. When you were the victim in a pedestrian accident, you know that one of the first steps you need to take is to get the driver’s contact information and head to the hospital, but what about dental injuries? It is important to understand that dental injuries can be just as severe as other personal injuries and that you should visit your dentist as soon as possible after an accident. Call for more information on how a dentist can help you after you were a victim in a pedestrian accident.
Why are pedestrian accidents so dangerous?
Pedestrian accidents are so dangerous because you are not going to be as protected as the person who hit you in the car. You were:
- Not expecting to get hit and thus unprepared and undefended.
- Likely not wearing any kind of safety gear because you were walking.
- Not protected from the impact in the same way the driver or passengers of the car were protected.
- Likely hit at a higher force than you would have been by another pedestrian or bicyclist.
What kind of damage can a pedestrian get from an accident?
There are many types of injuries that you may face after a pedestrian-auto accident, and you should not take your dental injuries any lighter than you would other personal injuries. Because of the force of the impact, you likely hit the pavement of some other object with high force. It is imperative that you seek help from your dentist immediately following the accident so they can take any necessary x-rays and determine the extent of the damage. Common injuries you may be suffering from after a pedestrian accident are:
- Fractured Teeth. This is one of the most common types of dental injuries you can sustain but it does not mean that it hurts less. You might have suffered from a root fracture or your tooth’s enamel may be severely chipped. In some cases, if your root is too fractured you might lose the tooth.
- Tooth Luxations. With this kind of trauma, your tooth was knocked loose just enough to cause root damage without falling out completely. Seeking help from your dentist is important because it can be hard to self-identify this injury and you could lose the tooth if you don’t get the help you need.
- Avulsed Teeth. When this happens, your tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. In some instances, you may be able to place your original tooth back in or receive artificial teeth.
Any type of dental injury can result in severe infections that spread around your mouth, so it is important to work with your dentist to identify your injuries and get them fixed as soon as possible. You should also speak with your dentist about cosmetic dentistry and your attorney about submitting these bills in your personal injury claim.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Dental Care
