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Dental Trauma & ACC Injuries
Dental trauma refers to injuries involving the teeth, gums, lips, or jaw. These injuries can occur suddenly and range from minor chips to more significant damage such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.
At Waipa Dental, we provide prompt assessment and treatment for dental injuries, with a focus on stabilising the situation, relieving discomfort, and restoring function and appearance as quickly as possible. We also support patients with ACC dental injury claims where applicable.
What is dental trauma?
Dental trauma can result from any impact or injury to the mouth or face. Common examples include:
Broken or chipped teeth
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
Partially displaced or loosened teeth
Cracked or fractured teeth below the gumline
Cuts or injuries to the lips, gums, or soft tissues
Jaw or bite injuries associated with trauma
Even injuries that appear minor at first can sometimes involve deeper damage to the tooth or supporting structures.
Common causes of dental injury
Dental trauma may occur due to:
Sports injuries
Falls or accidents
Work-related incidents
Motor vehicle accidents
Biting unexpectedly on hard objects
Physical impact to the face or mouth
Children and active adults are particularly at risk, especially during contact sports.
Emergency dental trauma care
We understand that dental injuries often happen suddenly and require urgent attention. We reserve dedicated emergency appointment times within our daily schedule to support patients experiencing trauma or acute dental pain.
If you have a dental injury, we recommend:
Contacting us as soon as possible
Preserving any broken tooth fragments if available
Keeping a knocked-out tooth moist (ideally in milk or saline)
Avoiding chewing on the affected area
Managing discomfort with appropriate pain relief if needed
Timely care significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. In some cases, the tooth may be able to be re-implanted if treated quickly.
If this occurs:
Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
Gently rinse it if dirty (do not scrub)
Keep it moist in milk or saline
Seek dental care immediately
The sooner treatment is provided, the better the outcome.
Assessment and treatment
When you attend with a dental injury, we will carefully assess:
The extent of tooth damage or displacement
Surrounding gum and soft tissue injury
Bite alignment and jaw function
Signs of nerve involvement or infection
This may include:
Clinical examination
Dental X-rays
3D imaging (CBCT) if required for complex trauma cases
Treatment will depend on the injury and may include:
Bonding or composite repair for chips and minor fractures
Splinting of loose or displaced teeth
Root canal therapy if the nerve is affected
Crowns for structurally compromised teeth
Extractions if a tooth cannot be saved
Soft tissue repair where required
Our focus is always on preserving natural teeth wherever possible.
ACC dental injury claims
If your dental injury is caused by an accident, you may be eligible for support through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
We can assist with:
Assessing eligibility for an ACC dental claim
Completing and submitting ACC forms
Providing clinical documentation and treatment plans
Coordinating approved treatment under ACC guidelines
ACC may contribute towards the cost of treatment for eligible accidental injuries, helping reduce financial pressure during recovery.
Follow-up and ongoing care
Dental trauma often requires follow-up care, even after initial treatment. This may include:
Monitoring tooth vitality and healing
Adjustments to restorations or splints
Ongoing review of injured teeth over time
Preventive advice to protect vulnerable teeth
Some injuries may not show full effects immediately, so review appointments are important.
Preventing dental injuries
While not all accidents can be prevented, risk can be reduced by:
Wearing custom mouthguards during sport
Avoiding using teeth as tools (opening packaging, etc.)
Managing teeth grinding with night guards if required
Maintaining strong, healthy teeth through regular dental care
We can provide custom-fitted mouthguards for both children and adults engaged in sport.
If you’ve experienced a dental injury, don’t wait to seek care. Contact Waipa Dental as soon as possible and our team will prioritise your appointment, guide you through your treatment options, and assist with any ACC claims to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Visit us in central Cambridge
Address: 15 Wilson Street, Cambridge
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm
Email: info@waipadental.co.nz
Access & parking: We have designated on-site parking, including a mobility space and access ramp, plus plenty of nearby street parking.