Dental injuries resulting from a car accident can be very costly to treat, and their impact may be felt for years.
When you think of car accident injuries, dental injuries probably aren’t the first thing that pops into your mind. However, dental injuries rank among the most common injuries that one can suffer after a car crash. These injuries can be incredibly costly to treat, and their impact can be felt for years.
Common Dental Injuries: Direct and Indirect Injuries
Dental injuries can be categorized into two types: direct and indirect injuries. For example, if you were speeding and an object hits your mouth during the accident, you might suffer a direct dental injury. On the other hand, if your mouth was open, and the impact of the accident caused it to close, your lower teeth may be knocked by your upper teeth, causing an indirect dental injury.
Common Types of Dental Injuries
Here are common dental injuries you might suffer after an auto collision.
- Fractured teeth: This is one of the most common dental injuries. It can take the form of fractured teeth’ enamel, pulp, or dentin. This injury often results in sensitivity or tenderness to the fractured part.
- Tooth luxation: Were you in an accident, and now your tooth is displaced in a manner that, when touched, moves in all directions? You could have suffered tooth luxation. This occurs when the ligaments that hold your tooth in place are disrupted. Immediate dental care will help place your tooth back to its initial position and fix other hidden injuries.
- Avulsed tooth: This occurs when your tooth is knocked out of its socket. You need to seek dental care immediately to re-implant the affected tooth before it dies.
Dental injuries can be mild or severe. The severity of a dental injury typically depends on the amount of force present during an accident.
How to Get Compensation for Dental Injury After a Car Accident
The insurance company will not compensate you for your dental injuries unless you provide concrete proof of the injuries. One of the best ways to do this is through an x-ray. An X-ray will go a long way in showing the extent of the injury and treatment required. Also, ensure you safely keep all the dental care records, including surgery and implant documents.
Some of the damages you may be entitled to in your dental injury case include medical bills and lost wages. You could also get compensation for pain and suffering if your dental injury alters your look or eating habits.
If you have been injured in a car accident it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced attorney. They can help you gather relevant evidence, interpret the laws for you, protect your rights and interests and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Any injury suffered after an auto crash can have a lasting impact on the victim’s health, finances, and life. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are generally entitled to compensation for your losses. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Give us a call 24/7 for a FREE case evaluation.