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

Although cracked teeth are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

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.

Early Diagnosis is Key

Even with the use of high magnification and special lighting, it can be difficult to detect cracks in teeth early. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can worsen over time, eventually resulting in the need for extraction. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to saving your teeth and avoiding more serious dental issues down the road.

Explore Our Helpful Video Guides

Causes of Tooth Pain

This video explains common reasons for tooth pain and how it can signal underlying dental issues. Learn how a dental exam can help identify the root cause and provide relief.

Progression of Decay

Watch as we walk you through the stages of tooth decay, from early signs to advanced stages. This video will guide you on how to prevent further damage and maintain your child's oral health.

Recurrent Decay (Around a Restoration)

This video illustrates how decay can return around a previous restoration. Discover why regular checkups are crucial for preventing further issues and keeping your restoration intact.

Trauma- Fractured Tooth (Complicated)

Learn about the process of assessing and treating a fractured tooth. This video highlights the steps involved in restoring your tooth after trauma, ensuring both function and appearance.

Trauma- Chipped Tooth

This video shows how a chipped tooth can be treated effectively. See the steps involved in restoring your smile and preventing further damage with timely dental care.

Trauma- Fractured Tooth

Explore how periodontal probing helps assess the health of your gums after a tooth fracture. This video demonstrates the importance of maintaining gum health to avoid complications in the healing process.

Trauma- Horizontal Root Fracture

This video explains the importance of checking the gums after a horizontal root fracture. See how periodontal probing can help detect gum issues and guide proper treatment for recovery.

Root Resorption

Learn how root resorption affects the health of your teeth and gums. This video highlights the role of periodontal probing in identifying and managing this condition to maintain oral health.

Dental Tumor

Watch how a periodontal probe helps detect the presence of tumors around your teeth. This video explains the importance of early detection for effective treatment and better oral health outcomes.

Dental Erosion

This video shows how dental erosion can impact your teeth and gums. See how periodontal probing helps identify the signs of erosion, enabling early intervention to protect your smile.

Sensitive Teeth

Learn how periodontal probing can assess gum health and help manage tooth sensitivity. This video demonstrates how tracking gum changes can reduce discomfort and improve overall dental health.

Vertical Root Fracture

Watch how periodontal probing can detect vertical root fractures and their effect on gum health. This video highlights the importance of early detection for preserving your oral health.

Crack Due to Large NCCL Filling

This video highlights how a large NCCL filling can lead to cracks in your teeth. Learn how periodontal probing helps monitor gum health and prevents further complications.

Periodontal Abscess

Discover how a periodontal abscess forms and the importance of monitoring gum health. This video shows how detecting early signs can help prevent more serious oral health issues.

Root Surface Decay

Watch how root surface decay can affect the health of your teeth and gums. This video emphasizes the significance of periodontal probing to identify and manage gum disease early.

Posterior Wear

See how posterior wear can damage your teeth and gums. This video explains the role of periodontal probing in detecting gum health changes, ensuring proper treatment to maintain oral wellness.