Whiplash
Many people who are involved in car accidents suffer from whiplash. The impact from one car hitting another can be quite damaging to the human body, especially when the head is forced in any direction while the body is restrained in a stagnant position. The soft tissues of the neck have quite a responsibility in holding the head upright when the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are stretched beyond their capacity, the whole area can be negatively impacted including the soft tissues in the jaw.
Your orthodontist may be able to treat the issue and alleviate your discomfort. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident and is experiencing whiplash symptoms, the following information may help you. The most important thing is to seek medical treatment right away so the injury does not get worse. The orthodontist may be the medical treatment that you need.
Consult with an Orthodontist
When it comes to car accident injury and whiplash, few people consider their dentist or orthodontist as a viable specialist for treatment. However, dental professionals are trained to understand, diagnose and treat issues of the teeth and jaw. So it is not a far stretch to consult with your orthodontist in Dana Point, CA if you are experiencing jaw pain after your car accident. He or she will likely take x-rays and will then be able to see the alignment of the teeth and the jaw. The images will assist the orthodontist in diagnosing the problem and then develop a treatment plan.
This may include stabilizing the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints- TMJ) so that they can resume normal function. To stabilize this area, orthodontists will often use splints that attach the upper and lower jaw in an effort to decrease movement, provide support and allow the injury to heal. The x-rays will also show the orthodontist the alignment of the teeth and he or she will be able to detect any further damage that may have occurred to the mouth. The orthodontist may refer you to a dentist if they detect cracked, chipped or loose teeth during the diagnostic process.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, when any injury occurs from a car accident, insurance companies are involved and are often eager to settle. Eager to settle really translates to offering a small amount of money in order to close the claim. It is important to ensure that you are protected and your medical costs are covered in a fair manner. A personal injury attorney is your best chance to ensure fair medical compensation in a reasonable amount of time. In addition, this can be an incredibly stressful experience, in having an attorney take the reins in your case, you can focus on getting better and moving forward with your life.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being injured as a result of a car accident, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. It is important to understand the process and protect yourself. You deserve immediate medical treatment that helps you to heal. You also deserve to have a qualified attorney to help you through this difficult time.
Thanks to John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into dental care and how whiplash can affect your jaw in an accident.
