Dental and TMJ Injuries After a Car Accident
Car accidents often cause obvious injuries like broken bones or lacerations. However, less visible injuries can be just as concerning. Damage to the teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is less commonly associated with accident outcomes. These injuries can lead to long term pain and dysfunction if not treated properly. The force of a car accident can impact the jaw and teeth in several ways. Dr. Deryk Harting, a talented chiropractor at one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care facilities in Florida, discusses the most common causes.
- Whiplash: Sudden, violent back and forth movement of the head can strain or damage the TMJ. The jaw may be jerked open or slammed shut. This puts intense pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles.
- Airbag deployment: Airbags are designed to save lives but can cause facial injuries. When an airbag inflates, it does so with explosive force. The jaw and teeth can absorb some of that impact.
- Direct trauma: If the face hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or another object, dental fractures and jaw injuries are likely to occur.
Dental trauma in a car accident can range from minor to severe. Some common dental injuries include:
- Chipped teeth: A small piece of enamel may break off from the tooth’s edge. This is often a cosmetic issue but can lead to sensitivity or decay.
- Fractured teeth: These involve deeper cracks that may affect the dentin or pulp. Pain while chewing or sensitivity to temperature can also develop. In severe cases, root canals or crowns are required.
- Luxated or avulsed teeth: A tooth may be knocked loose or completely out of its socket. Immediate dental care is necessary to save the tooth and prevent infection.
- Jaw fractures: Mandibular fractures often go hand in hand with dental injury. These can misalign the teeth and may require surgical repair.
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It gives us the ability to talk, chew, and yawn. A car accident or trauma to the TMJ can cause:
- Joint displacement: The disc inside the joint may slip out of place. This can lead to clicking, popping, or a locked jaw.
- Muscle strain: Muscles around the TMJ may spasm after trauma. This can lead to difficulty eating, chewing, talking, headaches, and facial pain.
- Inflammation or arthritis: Even a single impact can cause painful inflammation in the joint. Some people may develop arthritis in the TMJ as a result.
TMJ disorders and dental injuries may not always have immediate symptoms. Some signs can potentially emerge days or weeks after an incident. Common symptoms include jaw pain or stiffness, limited range of motion, clicking or popping during movement, tooth pain or sensitivity, loose teeth, visible chips or cracks in teeth, and headaches or earaches. Diagnosis starts with a dental and medical exam. Dentists may use X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the teeth and jaw. Certain TMJ injuries may also require a referral to a specialist or oral surgeon.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Options may include:
- Bonding or crowns for chipped or fractured teeth.
- Root canals for deeper dental trauma.
- Splints or mouthguards to reduce TMJ strain.
- Physiotherapy or medications for joint and muscle pain.
- Surgery in severe TMJ cases or fractures.
Dental and TMJ injuries after a car accident can be serious. Whiplash, airbag deployment, and direct impact can all affect the teeth and jaw. If you experience pain, sensitivity, clicking, or visible dental damage after an accident, seek care from a dentist or TMJ specialist. Early treatment improves outcomes and helps prevent long-term complications.
— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.
