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Cracked or broken teeth

Although teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks and breaks.  Sometimes fractures are fairly painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be extreme.  Fractures, cracks and breaks can take several different forms, but are generally caused by trauma, grinding and biting.  If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to see the dentist as quickly as possible.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are quite frightening and often painful.  Prompt treatment is almost always required to alleviate pain and to ensure the teeth have the best possible chance of survival.

Here at Greystone Dental Clinic, we are on call 24/7 for our valued clients. Sometimes teeth become fractured by trauma, grinding or biting on hard objects.  In other cases, fillings, crowns and other restorative devices can be damaged or fall out of the mouth completely.  If there is severe pain, it is essential to make an appointment with the dentist as quickly as possible.  The pain caused by dental emergencies almost always gets worse without treatment, and dental issues can seriously jeopardize physical health.

Types of dental emergency and how to deal with them

Pain and Swelling

Sometimes these are the most important type of dental emergencies to be treated

in a timely manner and if you are experiencing pain with substantial swelling,

please call Dr. Wang ASAP.  This condition may develop into something potentially life

threatening and a trip to the hospital may be necessary to receive the appropriate

treatment.

Lost filling or crown

Usually, a crown or filling comes loose while eating.  Once it is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure.  Crowns generally become loose because the tooth beneath is decaying.  The decay causes shape changes in the teeth – meaning that the crown no longer fits.  If it is not convenient to be seen any time soon, the crown may be temporarily seated in place with toothpaste.  If the crown still fits, it will be recemented to the tooth. Where decay is noted, this will be removed and a new crown will be made.

Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

1. Call Dr. Wang (604.616.7848) to arrange to be seen ASAP.
2. Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
4. Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
5. Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if there is no way to see the dentist immediately.
6. Take a topical pain reliever.

Avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out)

If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately.

When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves and blood vessels become damaged. 

If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues

will grow to support the tooth once again.

Here are some steps to take:

1. Call Dr. Wang (604.616.7848) to arrange to be seen ASAP.
2. Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water.  DO NOT touch the root.
3. If possible, place it back into its socket – if not tuck it into the cheek pouch.
4. If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort.  It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.