Wellington Office:

Dental Emergency Care for You and Your Child
If you or your child experience a dental emergency, it's important to contact our office as soon as possible. For after-hours emergencies, call our emergency phone number, and one of our on-call staff members will assist you. If you’re unable to reach our office during an emergency, dial 911 for immediate help.
We are here to support you 24/7. When a dental emergency arises, we’ll do everything possible to provide timely care and ensure your health and comfort. While dental emergencies are uncommon, knowing how to handle them can make a big difference.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Broken or Cracked Tooth/Teeth
A broken or cracked tooth can occur from accidental trauma, biting down on something hard, or decay. It’s important to seek care immediately to prevent further damage or infection. If you experience this, try to save any broken pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Contact our office as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation and treatment. - Broken Jaw
A broken jaw requires immediate attention. If you suspect a broken jaw, it’s essential to avoid moving it and to apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. You should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for urgent care. We can provide follow-up dental care after the initial injury has been treated. - Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s crucial to act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water (don’t scrub), and try to place it back into the socket if possible. If not, keep the tooth moist in milk or a tooth preservation solution. The quicker you seek care, the better the chances of saving the tooth—call our office immediately! - Object Stuck Between Teeth
Having an object stuck between your teeth can be uncomfortable and cause damage if left untreated. Try gently using floss or a soft toothbrush to dislodge the object. Avoid using sharp objects like pins or toothpicks, as they can harm your gums. If you can't remove the object easily, call us for further guidance or to schedule an emergency visit. - Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can be caused by various issues, such as infection, decay, or an abscess. Pain relief can be temporary with over-the-counter medication, but it's important to get the underlying cause treated by a dentist. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Contact our office immediately for a proper diagnosis and relief.
Preventing Cracked Teeth for a Healthy Smile
With modern life’s stresses and habits, our teeth are exposed to more wear and tear than ever before. Habits like clenching, grinding, and chewing on hard objects can weaken teeth, making them more susceptible to cracks.
At Modern Dental Smiles in Wellington, we offer treatment for cracked teeth to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.
Why Cracked Teeth Hurt
When the hard outer layer of your tooth cracks, chewing can cause movement in the tooth, irritating the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth). This irritation can lead to sharp, momentary pain when pressure is applied during chewing, which quickly disappears when pressure is released.
As the crack progresses, the pulp becomes damaged and can no longer heal itself, leading to persistent pain and sensitivity to temperature. Over time, the crack may cause pain even without chewing, and if untreated, can lead to infection in the pulp, gums, and bone.
Types of Cracked Teeth
- Craze Lines: These are tiny cracks in the enamel and are common in adult teeth. No pain is associated with these, and they generally only affect appearance.
- Fractured Cusp: The cusp (the pointed part of the tooth) can become weakened and break off. This usually causes pain, which is often relieved when the fractured cusp is removed. Root canal treatment is rarely necessary, and a full crown is typically used for restoration.
- Cracked Tooth: Cracks that extend vertically from the chewing surface toward the root. These cracks often affect the pulp and may require root canal therapy. A crown is used to restore the tooth and hold the pieces together. In severe cases, the crack may extend beneath the gumline, requiring extraction.
- Split Tooth: A split tooth is the result of a cracked tooth that has progressed to the point where distinct segments are separated. Unfortunately, a split tooth cannot be saved intact, but part of the tooth may be preserved with endodontic treatment and a crown, depending on the crack’s position.
- Vertical Root Fracture: These cracks begin in the root and extend toward the chewing surface. Symptoms are often minimal until infection spreads to the bone and gums. Treatment may require extraction, but in some cases, endodontic surgery can save part of the tooth.
Preventing Cracked Teeth
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth, especially during stressful moments or sleep.
- Wear a mouthguard or protective mask when engaging in contact sports to protect your teeth.