When you have been in a car accident, a Maryland car accident lawyer knows that it is highly likely that one of the areas you suffered an injury in was your mouth. Most people are extremely concerned with other bodily injuries, such as concussions, fractures, broken bones, lacerations, and bruising. However, oral injuries can be extremely painful, though you may be in shock immediately following the accident and not realize any damage had been done to your mouth. When it comes to going to an orthodontist to get the help you need for your mouth, though, how can they help? Your car accident lawyer in MD can talk with you about what you need to do to ensure you can get compensation for your orthodontic treatment following a car accident.
What Causes Tooth Damage in a Car Accident?
Tooth and jaw damage are extremely common in car accidents. Some of the most common ways of getting this kind of damage are through:
- Your face hitting the steering wheel
- The airbag coming into contact with your face
- Hitting your head and jaw on the side window
- The other car coming into contact with the front or side of your car
What Kinds of Tooth Damage Can You Get From a Car Accident?
Because of how complex a tooth is, there are many different types of oral injuries one can sustain from a car accident. A tooth consists of many different parts, all of which can become damaged in a car accident.
- Chipped or Fractured Teeth. This happens when the enamel of the tooth is damaged. While there is sensitivity, there should not be great pain and your orthodontist can usually repair this relatively quickly and painlessly.
- Tooth Pulp. Your tooth pulp is in the dentin layer of your tooth underneath the enamel. When your tooth is severely injured and the pulp is exposed, you will likely feel severe pain and sensitivity which may be accompanied by headaches. Your orthodontist can quickly assess the best course of action which will likely be a root canal.
- Avulsed Teeth. This is also not uncommon when it comes to car accidents. An avulsed tooth is when an entire tooth is knocked out of its socket. If you can schedule an emergency orthodontist appointment after the car accident and bring your tooth with you, the orthodontist may be able to save it. On the other hand, they may simply have to replace it with an artificial tooth.
How can My Orthodontist Help with My Insurance Claim?
It is incredibly important that you talk with your MD car accident lawyer and your orthodontist immediately about why and how the damage occurred. You should let them know that you will be filing an accident claim and that you are hoping to get compensation for your orthodontic procedures. When they know this, your orthodontist can ensure that they document the injuries, the procedure, prescription medications, and expected recovery time in detail so that your insurance claim has all of this on record.
There are many judgment factors at play when determining the compensation to which you are entitled. Even though Insurance companies have their own valuation methods, there are often opportunities for negotiation. Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. is a car accident lawyer MD has relied on for over 75 years.
