DENTAL

Common Dental Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

• Impact to the mouth can crack or break teeth.
• May involve just the enamel or extend to the dentin or pulp (nerve).

Tooth Luxation

• Teeth are loosened or displaced but still in the socket.
• Can be painful and require repositioning and splinting by a dentist.

Tooth Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

• A tooth is completely dislodged from its socket.

This is a dental emergency - prompt reimplantation (within 30 to 60 mins) gives the best chance of saving the tooth

Root Fractures

• The root of the tooth is cracked; not always visible to the naked eye.
• May require root canal treatment or extraction.

Jaw Fractures (Mandible or Maxilla)

• Severe impacts can cause fractures of the lower or upper jaw.
• Often associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite) and facial swelling.

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Cuts or lacerations to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums.
• May bleed heavily and can cause significant scarring or infection if not treated.

Why Dental Injuries Matter in Bicycle Accidents

Aesthetic impact: Especially if front teeth are involved.

Speech and eating difficulties: Can impair function short and long-term.

Emotional distress: Especially for visible dental injuries.

High treatment costs: Including emergency dental care, restorative work (crowns, bridges, implants), and cosmetic dentistry.

Cycling Injuries