Dental accident – what to do and who pays?

A dental accident can happen at any time and anywhere – whether during sports, at home or if you fall. The consequences of such accidents are often knocked out, broken or loosened teeth. This is painful, but it can also have long-term effects on your oral health – and on your smile.

Whether it’s knocked out teeth after an accident or just a painful mishap, many people ask themselves these same questions: When is it considered a dental accident? Are the teeth insured in the event of an accident? What steps should you take immediately? Who pays? We answer the most important questions.

What counts as a dental accident?

A dental accident occurs when there is a sudden, unexpected and violent effect on the teeth that results in acute damage.

Such accidents can be caused by various events, such as  falls, impacts or other direct effects. Among the most common causes are sports injuries, especially in contact sports such as football, hockey or boxing. Even in everyday life, whether at home, on the road or playing, a fall or collision can quickly lead to a dental accident. Even traffic accidents ,such as car or bicycle accidents, are a common cause of tooth injuries, which often also affect the jaw.

What does not count as a dental accident

In addition to the above-mentioned accidents, there are also natural causes of damage to the teeth that do not fall under the category of dental accidents:

• Cavities: Cavities are a disease caused by bacteria that attack the enamel and cause holes in the tooth. This happens gradually and is not due to a sudden effect.
• Tooth damage due to age: As you get older, you can see signs of wear and tear on your teeth, such as wear on your enamel or receding gums. These changes are age-related and develop over a longer period of time.
• Diseases: Diseases such as periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) or tooth misalignment are also not the consequences of a sudden accident, but are caused by long-term processes or genetic factors.

Are teeth insured in the event of an accident?

In Switzerland, dental damage caused by an accident can be insured under certain conditions. For employees, mandatory accident insurance – which is taken out through their employer – generally covers the costs of dental treatment. This insurance covers accidents both at work and during leisure time.

People who are not gainfully employed, such as students, retirees or those who work less than eight hours a week, must include this accident risk in their basic health insurance.

For more comprehensive coverage options, there are private accident or supplementary dental insurance options. These can cover treatments that go beyond the basic benefits of mandatory insurance. For example, aesthetic dental restorations or routine treatments such as annual dental hygiene.

What to do if you hit a tooth?

A blow to your tooth can cause a variety of damage: from a slight loosening to severe fractures to completely knocking the tooth out. Here’s what you should do in such a case:

1. Inspect it immediately: Examine the affected tooth and surrounding gums for any visible damage, bleeding or swelling.
2. Stop the bleeding: If bleeding occurs, gently press a sterile gauze or a clean cloth over the affected area until the bleeding subsides.
3. Cooling: Cool the affected area from the outside with some ice or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Differences in a loose, broken or knocked out tooth

Loose teeth

When a tooth wiggles a little in the gums after an accident, but is still anchored to your jaw, this is called a loose tooth. A loose tooth is often the result of a minor trauma, such as a fall or a slight blow. In this case, the tooth does not fall out completely, but such an injury can still cause considerable pain. In many cases, a splint can be used to stabilize the tooth so it can reattach itself again. Taking quick action and a dental examination are essential to avoid any further damage.

Broken teeth

A broken tooth can be damaged to varying degrees, from a small chipping to a complete fracture that extends to the root of the tooth. This type of tooth injury often occurs with more severe effects, such as a hard impact or a traffic accident. A broken tooth can be very painful, especially if the tooth nerve is exposed. Depending on the severity of the injury, the tooth may be repaired, given a crown or, in severe cases, a root canal may be necessary.

Knocked out teeth

The most serious form of tooth injury is a knocked out tooth. In this injury, the tooth is completely detached from its socket. Such injuries usually occur in the event of severe blows or falls. It is important to reinsert the tooth as quickly as possible, as the chances of successfully being put back in decrease the longer it is left out. The tooth should be stored in a tooth preservation container, in cold milk or in your own oral cavity and treated by the dentist within 30 minutes and up to a maximum of two hours.

Tooth preservation kit: Valuable aid for dental accidents

A tooth preservation kit is an indispensable tool that can make the difference between losing a tooth and saving a tooth in the event of a dental accident. These special containers are filled with a nutrient solution that can keep knocked out teeth alive for up to 24 hours.

Tooth preservation kits are available from pharmacies and many dentists and should always be included in every first aid kit, especially in households with children.