Gum Pain and Recovery After Dental Trauma - Dentistry

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Gums


A year ago, I had a car accident that resulted in an alveolar bone fracture.
My teeth were injured but did not fall out.
The displaced teeth underwent root canal treatment, and I am now close to getting braces.
However, since the root canal treatment, I have been experiencing occasional mild pain in the teeth, not just the ones that were displaced, but even in the molars that were not injured.
Is this pain due to cavities or could it be related to the previous injury to the gums? The gums around the injured front teeth are still dark red after a year; will they return to their original color? Is there a treatment for this? Could the gums become problematic again when I wear braces, given that they feel somewhat tender as if they haven't fully healed, even though it's been quite a while? I'm concerned that my teeth seem to have become more fragile, and the gum tissue appears asymmetrical.
Will wearing braces help with this? Thank you for your assistance!

niang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/31

Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry


Hello: Tooth displacement due to injury is often accompanied by pulp necrosis, requiring root canal treatment.
If pain persists after treatment, it is essential to confirm whether the root canal therapy was completed adequately.
Brushing teeth with braces can be more challenging (using plaque disclosing agents can help determine if brushing is effective), which may lead to plaque accumulation at the gingival margin, resulting in gingival inflammation.
Please consult your dentist for a professional cleaning and guidance on proper brushing techniques.
If the teeth and alveolar bone are fractured, it may cause asymmetry in the gingival line; you can consult a periodontist for gingival contouring procedures.
Sincerely, Dr.
Liu Tien-Tsai, Dentistry.

Reply Date: 2005/08/31

More Info


Understanding gum pain and recovery after dental trauma can be quite complex, especially following an incident like a car accident that results in dental injuries. In your case, it seems that you have experienced multiple issues stemming from the trauma, including root canal treatment and ongoing discomfort in various teeth, even those that were not directly injured.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that dental trauma can lead to a variety of complications. When a tooth is injured, especially in an accident, it can affect not only the tooth itself but also the surrounding structures, including the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. In your situation, the fact that you have had root canal treatment indicates that there was likely damage to the pulp of the tooth, which can lead to pain if the treatment was not completely successful or if there are other underlying issues.

The intermittent pain you are experiencing in both the treated and untreated teeth could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the trauma has caused some degree of nerve damage or inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can lead to referred pain in adjacent teeth. Additionally, if there are any cracks or fractures in the teeth that were not identified during your initial examinations, these could also be a source of discomfort.
Regarding the condition of your gums, the persistent redness and darkening you describe could be a sign of chronic inflammation or trauma to the gum tissue. It is not uncommon for gums to take a long time to heal after significant trauma, and in some cases, they may not return to their original color. However, with proper care and possibly treatment from a periodontist, there may be options to improve the appearance and health of your gums.
As for your concerns about wearing braces, it is essential to communicate with your orthodontist about your previous dental trauma and ongoing issues. While braces can help align your teeth and improve your bite, they can also place additional stress on already compromised teeth and gums. If your gums are still sensitive or if there is any underlying issue, it may be wise to address these concerns before proceeding with orthodontic treatment.

In terms of treatment options, it would be beneficial to have a thorough examination by a dental professional who can assess the health of your teeth and gums. This may include X-rays or other imaging techniques to evaluate the condition of the roots and surrounding bone. If there are signs of infection or other complications, further treatment may be necessary, such as additional root canal therapy or periodontal treatment.

In summary, your ongoing discomfort and gum issues are likely related to the trauma you experienced and the subsequent treatments. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your dental care providers, including your dentist and orthodontist, to ensure that all aspects of your dental health are being addressed. Regular follow-ups and possibly referrals to specialists may be necessary to achieve the best outcomes for your dental health and comfort.

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