Dental mishaps and emergencies happen every day.
It is important you contact your dentist immediately if you have sudden severe pain, a swollen face, swollen gums, a loose tooth, or tender gums. Because these are all signs of infection or an acute abscess.
But what if it’s on a weekend?
Or it happens when you’re out of town?
Or when your dentist is unreachable?
Has something like this ever happened to you?
Scene l – You Are Halted Mid-Chew
It’s Saturday night and you’re at a restaurant with friends. Or perhaps on a date.
Suddenly, you bite into something that’s unexpectedly hard – like an olive pit in your salad. You are jolted by a sharp wince of pain that halts you in mid-chew.
The pain continues with waves of aftershocks. It’s kind of like if you stubbed your bare toe on a block of concrete. Finally, the pain retreats.
But you realize your tooth just broke and you have no idea what to do when a tooth cracks.
Scene 2 – You Lose a Crown or Filling
You’re on vacation with your family. You’re in an old-fashioned candy when you spy some candy you haven’t seen since childhood – Charleston Chews! You can’t resist and you buy a bag.
You take one bite and feel the warm embrace of gooey chocolate taffy.
Uh-Oh! A crown has just been pulled off your tooth. Or…one of your large fillings just abandoned your molar.
What do you do?
Here are…
5 Common Dental Emergencies & What To Do Until You Can See A Dentist
1. A Chipped Tooth
- If there’s no pain: A chipped tooth usually will have jagged, sharp edges that love to grab your lip, cheek, or tongue. Use an emery board to gently smooth out the rough edges of your tooth until you can see a dentist.
- If the tooth is sensitive to cold, sugar, or heat: When a tooth first chips or breaks, it’s very sensitive to touch and temperature. This usually fades over time, but frequently applying Sensodyne toothpaste to the affected area can bring you some relief until you can see a dentist.
2. Your Tooth Cracks Or You Lose A Filling
Many products are available in the dental aisles of your local pharmacy that can help:
- DentTemp: Whether you use the premixed or powder version, place it in the void and pat it with water to harden the material. Then bite into it while it’s still soft. Scrape away any excess material with a toothpick.
- Dent’s Toothache Gum: Soften the gum in your mouth and place it on your affected tooth. If you can’t find Dent’s gum or can’t get to a pharmacy, you can use sugarless chewing gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol, instead. Mold it into the sensitive area to protect it. (A softened piece of household candle wax can also be hand-molded and pressed into place.)
- Sensodyne or Fluoridated Toothpaste: Coat your tooth with the toothpaste. Then cover the area with sugarless chewing gum or softened candle wax.
- If A Significant Portion Of Your Tooth Broke Off: If a significant portion of your tooth broke off and if the tooth has a large filling, there’s a good chance your filling is secure. This is even more serious than if your tooth cracks. If the tooth fragment has broken off completely, once the initial pain fades, you can continue your meal. But avoid cold, sweets, and extreme heat. If your tooth breaks and is dangling from your gum, go to the restroom with a glass of ice water. Place a piece of ice against your gum where the tooth is loose for 30 seconds. Be careful not to put the ice directly on the tooth. Your gum will get numb enough that you will be able to gently and painlessly remove the loose, broken piece of tooth. If the gum bleeds a bit, bite on a tissue or paper towel for a few minutes, and it should stop.
3. A Dislodged Cap Or Crown
- First, clean and dry both your tooth and the cap or crown. Place a dab of Fixodent or Polygrip into it and put it back in place. Then, tap your teeth together. If you can get to the store, make a loose slurry of flour and water and use it the same way. The cap or crown will only stay in place temporarily – so it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
4. A Dislodged Porcelain Veneer
- Try placing the veneer back on your tooth in the proper position. When you’ve got the hang of it, carefully place a dab of Krazy Glue inside and push it into place. Wipe away excess cement with nail polish remover. Remember, just a little dab will do ya!
5. Irritated, Tender Gums, Canker Sores or Inflamed Wisdom Teeth
- Rinse your mouth with Listerine or with a warm salt-water rinse. Swish vigorously. (Do not gargle). An anesthetic salve like Ambesol can also be applied for quick relief.
Remember, all the solutions above offer only temporary relief. If your tooth cracks or you lose a crown or you experience any of the dental emergencies above, please see a dentist right away.
If you’re one of my patients, you can always reach me by calling 212-685-3040. If the office is closed, listen to the message and you will be given my cell number.
Related Reading:
- What To Do When You Have A Dental Problem & Your Dentist’s Office Is Closed
- Chipped Front Tooth? You May Have Bruxism
DISCLAIMER: The advice I offer in response to your questions is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. Namely, I am in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. My intent is solely educational and my responses to your actual questions serve as a springboard for discussion of a variety of dental topics that come up in day-to-day dental practice. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.
259 Responses
I did root canal 7 months ago and it was uncapped. Now my tooth has cracked out from one side. What should be done ? Should I go for root canal again or crown planting would be enough ?
Dear Parash,
Failure to properly restore a tooth treated with root canal is the most common reason that leads to its being extracted. Most often a crown is needed. Don’t wait any longer. Have your dentist evaluate your tooth. Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
My bottom end molar has undergone root canal 10 years ago. The cap fell off late last year and I went to a dentist in hopes to glue it back. However the dentist noticed the tooth has cracked and that he can’t put the crown back. He recommended that the tooth be extracted. As I wasn’t prepared, I told him I need time to digest and will call him back to arrange for an appt to extract the tooth. I never called back. So today the post fell off and I just filed the hole up with temp putty.
I would like to know, can I still save my tooth? Can I not put back the post and recap over the cracked molar?
Would appreciate your advise.
Dear Joanne,
Unfortunately there is no way that I can meaningfully respond to your question without personally examining your tooth and seeing an x-ray.
If the original diagnosis was correct, then a year’s passing could have led to further deterioration. That you had root canal therapy explains why there is an absence of pain. The ultimate prognosis of your tooth rests with the the nature of the fracture and the amount of sound tooth structure that remains. That your post recently fell out suggests further breakdown, most likely decay. You need to have your tooth evaluated by a dentist. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful. Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
I’m from California and have had bad teeth all my life. As a teenanger my dentist performed a series of root canals some of which never got completed. Over the years I’ve struggled with my teeth breaking, abscesses, excruciating pain and illness from infection. Despite all of my efforts at maintaining a diligent at home cleaning routine I still lost tooth after tooth. No insurance kept me from seeking care as well as a lack of available dentists locally. I was finally able to get an appointment here in my hometown and he began treatment. He came highly recommended unfortunately he made my problems much worse. Over the course of his care I had multiple teeth pulled to prepare for a removable partial denture. Weak infected teeth were left to act as anchors. It was ill fitting from the very start, too small and extremely painful, he told me not to worry I would get used to it and to keep it in my mouth at all times. I did as instructed and at a follow-up appointment when I voiced my concern again he told me he was very busy and didn’t have time to deal with it. I was devastated, he was supposed to make my pain go away yet he left me in worse pain than before. He said I would be able to eat again and I’d regain my lost confidence, I’m now left with a partial denture that I paid cash for I’m unable to wear. The teeth that had been anchors are now horribly broken and I’ve lost all confidence. I’m left with less than half of my teeth and am barely able to eat without excruciating pain. Everyday I spit out blood. I believe the infection in my mouth has begun to spread to my sinuses as I feel pressure in my head and sinus cavities. I look forward to hearing from you and can be reached both by phone or email. Thank you for your time
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for your troubles. Your story and your struggles sadden me. Clearly your dental problems have been a long time in the making and what you hoped was the long desired solution has only perpetuated them and left you in this precarious and deeply troubling state. You clearly need an careful evaluation and professional help to determine what went awry with your treatment and how to move forward. Unfortunately, I am in New York and can’t possibly get an accurate clinical picture. You need to see another dentist for an accurate diagnosis and assessment of your current condition. I realize finances are an issue, but the cost for a thorough examination and treatment plan is modest relative to the actual care. Knowing where you are now dentally and where you need and want to be (obviously free of pain and fully functional and cosmetically intact) is critical in determining how to get there. Once you have the road map to dental health, you can figure out the details of how to get it done and done properly. Perhaps your physician can make a recommendation to you or even a local dental school, if there is one. Knowledge is what you need. I realize you are upset with your current dentist, but perhaps you can start with him and find out what exactly is your problem and why you are still having such issues. In as much as his trestment hasnt yielded the successful outcome that you both desired. Then ask for his opinion as to what can be done to correct them- i.e., a new treatment suggestion. Then take this information and seek a second or third opinion before proceeding with care with the dentist of your choosing. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. Good luck.
Dr Sinkin
Hello! For several days I’ve felt like there was something stuck between my teeth. turns out it was a loose filling and it popped out this evening. There is no pain. However, i am in holiday until January and I’m not comfortable seeing anyone who is not my dentist. Can i wait til then to see my dentist or do i absolutely have to go asap to have it done again?
Dear Veronica,
Based on what you have told me, if you want to wait until you get home be careful not to chew anything hard which may crack your tooth. Keep the area clean.
Happy Holidays.
Dr Sinkin
Dr. Sinkin,
As with everyone I have a question. My tooth that is next to the front tooth had a crack in it and I broke a small piece off in the bottom left corner. My previous experience this year has been 3 root canals and 3 crowns. With the present state of our insurance, which we had never had dental, I paid out of pocket for the crowns and some of the root canal. My question is how can I repair the tooth asthetically until Feb 1 when my insurance covers a crown or is there a way? Also have to find a new dentist that accepts our plan :/ Thank
You in advance!
Dear Alicia,
When it rains, it pours. But from what you describe, simple direct bonding with tooth colored composite may possibly restore your tooth like new, but of course, without examining you I can’t say for sure. So your dentist would be the right person to ask. Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
I had my tooth prepped for my crown and got my temporary crown put on. It came off and they put it back on. It lasted a week and a piece on the inner side of my temp crown chipped. I left it and today the rest came off and now it feels like the tip of the prepared tooth has chipped a little off. I’m really hoping that means they don’t have to do a totally new impression and I have to wait for another crown… this one should be in any day:( Do you think if the tip is chipped that they could still use the crown they have coming? Going in tomorrow to get the temp put back on.
Dear Nikki,
The harsh reality is that there is no point discussing what may be, it is what it is. And while having a new impression (the time, the taste, the unpleasantries associated with it) is surely an inconvenience, I am more curious as to why the temporary mishap occurred in the second and third place. I would ask your dentist why this is happening. Sometimes a the patient an over zealous flosser, or gum chewer, or grinds her teeth at night, etc.
Anyway, more important than if a new impression is needed, but rather that you receive proper care and I am sure that your dentist can explain all. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Good luck,
Dr. Sinkin
A while back, a part of one of my back teeth came out in a piece of gum. The filling is still there and hadn’t caused me pain for quite a while. Now, I’m eating 800 mg ibuprofen like candy (4 times per day), and my dentist can’t get me into the office to pull it until the 5th of October. Anything I can do until then? Once the ibuprofen kicks in, I’m lucky to have relief for an hour or so. Thanks so much.
Dear Misty,
Theshort answer is to call back your dentist’s office and make it clear that you are in distress. Your dentist should be able to accommodate you and at least be able to give you some temporary relief to tide you over until October 5th. If not, you might consider having him refer you to an oral surgeon. Being in the type of pain that you describe for another 2 weeks is,not an option.
CALL YOUR DENTIST! Pain and infection don’t pay attention to the clock or calendar. Good luck and feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
Dear Dr. Sinkin,
The short version of my question is this: in desperate times, what is the worst that can happen if I use superglue to attach a temporary crown to a post and core?
The long version:
I had a permanent crown on my front incisor that came off a few months after its initial placement, and most of the tooth underneath crumbled away immediately after it came off. The dentist tried several times to cement the crown back on, but it kept falling off because of the small amount of tooth left.
The next step was a post, core and crown treatment, but it involved having a small inflamed area at the bottom of the root removed with a surgery. The temporary crown that was put on at that point stayed on for 3 weeks. At that point the dentist prepared the core for the permanent crown, and gave me a new temporary crown.
The temporary crown fell off the same day. I have chronic fatigue problems, so I waited three days to have it re-glued. Again, it fell off the same day. So now, two days later, I had it re-glued for the third time. It just fell off again. I still have 6 days until my appointment for my permanent crown. I’m desperate to not keep going back to the dentist for this, but also horrified at the idea of anyone seeing me like this. I have some temporary dental adhesive from the drug store, but it doesn’t hold for more than a few minutes. This is the reason for my main question.
I also want to be a good self-advocate when I see the dentist for my permanent crown. I’m afraid that the permanent crown will have similar problems with falling out. When the dentist prepared the core for the permanent crown, he drilled it down to a very small stub, barely bigger than the old tooth. I know he did this to avoid it making contact with a lower tooth, but I’m afraid that this small stub won’t be enough to hold it. I’m already feeling desperately overwhelmed by this situation, and I don’t know what I’d do if the permanent crown came off again after all this. Do you have any advice for me as to how I can express this to the dentist and make sure I’m being taken seriously?
Thank you so much,
Rachel
Dear Rachel,
Temporary crowns can become loose or dislodged. But at least in my personal experience that is the exception rather than the rule. Assuming that you’re being careful with the tooth, and it sounds like you are, you have every right to be concerned. You invested quite a bit of time, effort, money, and perhaps some degree of discomfort or inconvenience into your treatment…including the surgical apicoectomy that you alluded to. It is possible that the temporary simply doesn’t fit well.
Here’s my advice: either call your dentist immediately and tell him or her exactly what you just told me or send your comment in an email. A patient with the complications you have had should be able to get in to see her dentist immediately.
And to answer your question about the worst that could happen to your tooth, it could fracture and require extraction. Today an implant can be put in its place that will look and feel like your own natural tooth. But before you get that far, reach out to your dentist and be strong!
I wish you the best of luck,
Dr. Sinkin
Hi Dr Sinkin,
I was a terrible tooth brusher as a younger man and had to have fillings done in many of my teeth. With time and the addition of teeth grinding at night in my twenties, more work needed to be done, so I have 4 crowns and every filling has been redone. I wear an oral occlusive device at night religiously. A couple of questions-
1. Is there a type of specialty or technique to help adjust bite and my occlusion? My dentist does good work on fillings & crowns but I feel like their bite adjustments have never really worked out. Current example- my back upper molar has a big plunging stalactite that presses into the lower molar. I had been telling them the lower tooth was under a lot of pressure. Even though they did work on the lower filling recently, saw that it was under a lot of pressure, and made some adjustments, it still presses quite hard. The lower tooth is cracking and now needs a crown. I understand that I have limited tooth to work with, so if there is some technique to really get it right I’d love to hear about it. Right now they do the thing where I bite on a thing that leaves marks on my teeth and they trim the marked parts.
2. When do braces like an oral occlusive device generally need to be redone? Mine is missing the part that covers my back left molars, and several teeth have been worked on since I got it, so I doesn’t fit super well. I don’t, however, have any issues with my jaw clicking or getting stuck like I used to.
3. Any general advice as a provider for when your dentist seems to have high technical skill but maybe lacks a particular skill set you need or seems to focus on specific problems but fails to see the big picture?
I’ve been reading your blog quite a bit recently, really appreciate what you do here!
Thanks
Ryan
Dear Ryan,
I appreciate your insightful questions and of course your positive feedback.
As you so keenly observed, comprehensive dentistry involves so much more than technical excellence. Though I am in no way minimizing the importance of technical precision and skill, one must be mindful of the forest as well as the individual tree. When restoring a tooth, a dentist must appreciate and factor in all kinds of variables that differ from person to person. Some people are heavy clenchers or bruxers (grinders), some people have large bones and heavy musculature that can generate a lot of force while others are more petite. Some people have a “normal” occlusion where the teeth align properly while many have a malocclusion that doesn’t provide for a more protected harmonious distribution of forces.
And diet plays an important role in the forces placed or teeth, restored or otherwise. For example, oatmeal is easier on the system than granola.
Most times a “filling” is a simple restoration that requires no special consideration. But there are situations in which the forces placed on a tooth and the planned restoration exceed normal physiological tolerances. The aforementioned variables are just a few examples of when greater than average forces can come into play. That said, when a patient such as yourself requires restorative dentistry, it may be necessary to take a step back and evaluate the health of the forest before attending to the ailing sapling trying to take root.
What you described on your opposing tooth (the plunging stalactite) is actually referring to as a plunger cusp and often needs to be re-contoured to diminish force concentration. You are astute in your observations and hopefully you shared your concerns with your dentist.
Sometimes, it is prudent to take a “step back” and evaluate the, as you said, evaluate the bigger picture. I strongly suggest requesting a consultation with your dentist to discuss your concerns. If he has the technical skills than perhaps he just needs to hear your input. Patients often have the diagnosis, we the healthcare providers just have to listen closely enough. If you are not satisfied with his response, then you might consider making a change.
The marking paper you refer to is called articulating paper and it is a mainstream staple in the practice of dentistry. It does indicate areas of tooth-to-tooth contact. But it is just a tool, an important one, but just one of many. Sight, sound and “feel” are important considerations as well. And yes, occlusal guards do need replacement or modification when additional dental care alters the shapes of the teeth involved. Yours very well need replacement.
Ryan, I hope that I have answered your questions to your satisfaction. Be well.
Dr. Sinkin
Hi Dr.Sinkin
So I had a root canal on a bottom molar tooth few years ago and never followed through with finalizing crown treatment etc. Couple years ago broke off half the tooth chewing peanuts. No pain no swelling no issues. Now one last fragment is remaining and has been currently loosened a week ago and continues to loosen. Feels like it could come outt. This happened on the other side last year and the fragment fell out no problem no issues as my dentist told me it was a dead tooth with dead nerves due to not completing another root canal due to lack of insurance and money . I don’t have dental insurance and money is very tight right now for me as well. Will this tooth break off too? What do you suggest.
Dear Dave,
Unfortunately, yours is a common dental tale in which root canal therapy is not completed. Hindsight is 20/20 and while I am sure you had the best of intentions to complete treatment and save your teeth, you know have two teeth that might be destined to be extracted. Yes, it is possible that the loose piece may just break off and free you from the irritant. But it is also possible that you can develop an infection in the gum and or bone. You should have it looked at before an inconveniently timed emergency occurs. If you develop swelling, pain or difficulty swallowing get to a dentist ASAP.
Good Luck,
Dr. Sinkin
Hello Dr Sinkin, I had a root canal in my lower back molar and then the tooth cracked in half. My new dentist then removed half of the tooth and cut my gums to gain enough tooth to attach a temporary crown to. Last night the temp. Crown broke off. It is the Canada day long weekend and on Monday morning I am flying to Las Vegas for 6 days. Of course there is no pain due to the previous root canal a and there are no sharp edges, but should I try to find emergency care to replace the crown or can I wait until I get home.
Hi Kim,
I suggest that you call your dentist and let him or her know what happened as soon as their office is open. Your dentist is the best position to advise you. Enjoy your trip.
Dr. Sinkin
Hello Dr., I am on vacation in NYC until July 6th. My temporary crown just cracked in several pieces and came off. It is not salvagable. I cannot get in touch with a dentist because of the July 4th holiday weekend. The tooth has had a root canal and it is extremely sharp. The tooth will be getting a permanent crown. I am also nkt feeling any pain atvthe moment. Will I be ok to wait 1 week to see the dentist and get it fixed? Is there something else I can do? I thank you im advance for any ideas or suggestions you may have.
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
Why do these things seem to happen at the most inopportune times?
Since your tooth had root canal, sensitivity to temperature, sweets, etc., should not be a problem. If it’s not your front tooth, esthetics is not a problem. You can probably brush as normal l. As far as the sharp edge, you may try placing sugarless gum over the tooth to protect your tongue from abrasion and don’t eat on that side. I’ll be in my office until Tuesday if you are still in trouble, feel free call for an appt.
Dr. Sinkin
Thanks sooo much Dr. Sinkin for responding. I really appreciate it, that was good information. I’m not sure that a post was added prior to putting on my crown. Yes my tooth broke off evenly across the gum line and exposes the tooth. When my tongue touches it, it feel somewhat smooth not jagged. So if I understood your comment correctly I (the dentist) can possibly add a post and reuse the current crown or will another one have to be made? The current one has the old tooth inside is their a way to remove the broken tooth from the crown?
China,
Your dentist is the ultimate decision maker, but in my experience it would appear that you likely need a new crown.
Dr. Sinkin
Hello,
I had a root canal about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago and shortly after that I had a crown put on. This is a front tooth. The dentist filed my tooth down to a peg and placed the crown. Today the crown fell off and the peg (tooth) is broken off inside the crown. I was told root canal teeth do this often (break off). Can I just have the tooth re-cemented and will it stay on? What options do I have to repair this tooth? Someone said my only option is to have a costly implant done. Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Dear China,
So sorry for your troubles.
While it is true that teeth with root canal therapy are more prone to fracture than vital (non-root canaled teeth), generally that is because the tooth had been structurally compromised because of previous restorations, traumatic injury before or after root canal or possibly improper restoration of the tooth after the root canal was completed. (And sometime, things just happen, like biting into something very hard which can also break natural teeth.)
In your case, you didn’t mention whether a post was placed into the tooth when the crown was made. If this is the case and your root is not split, it could be possible to place a post in the root and make a new crown. If your tooth broke flat across the gum-line, so the aforementioned scenario might be possible.
If the tooth is un-restorable, then an implant may be a viable option.
(As an aside, the cost of a root canal, post and core and crown is often not much different than replacing a tooth with an implant and crown.)
Obviously, you need to have your tooth evaluated before any decision is made. I hope this information was helpful and quite possibly reassuring.
Best,
Dr. Sinkin
I have a filling on the side of my very last tooth on the bottom…I can feel it lifting out and literally have to push it back it from time to time…its very painful and its starting to swell my face a bit as well.
Dear Amy,
Your filling is obviously loose and mostly likely needs to be replaced. Why it has become dislodged is a matter to be determined by your dentist – and yes, you need to visit a dentist! The filling could have physically broken or there may be decay under it. Don’t delay. Things can only get worse leading to more involved treatment. Good luck!
Best,
Dr. Sinkin
I had the frontal exposed portion of my crown break off last week. It didn’t hurt then, but now the entire remainder is handing off like a snaggle tooth and it’s painful! It’s Friday night and I work all day Saturday and Sunday. To boot, I just moved to the are and have no dentist yet as my insurance was just activated. I’m in PAIN!
Dear Elizabeth,
The best advice I can give for right now is coat the tooth with Sensodyne to get some relief from the pain. Advil or (not at the same time)will help. Now, you are going to have to find a dentist ASAP for proper and definitive care. Advil or Tylenol for the pain if you’re good those medications. I hope you got through the weekend OK. Feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
I have recently stopped taking a mediation after 21 years, it was very toxic, posion to my body. I have Epilepsy and the medication was Depakote, it tore me up inside and out without me even knowing it was that, until I found my great Neurologist who took me off of this and told what it was doing to me. Anyway, getting to the point I my enamel on my teeth is coming off as a result from this medication and their chipping and sharp and I have lost some already, already have a partial, gums are red and bleed if I brush even a little bit soft, teeth are loose all through my mouth, and I am sensitive to cold in some spots. And I am not yet 40 yrs old, at least not for another 3 weeks. I am extremly embarressed by this hoping that one day a tooth or teeth just dont fall out or chip off at work, I have heard so many people say how hard it is with dentures and how it hurts. Man I am so young, its not right. Is there another alternative that is not so costly as veneers, which I most defintly can not afford. Just need help at my wits end.
Dear Melissa,
I sympathize with you on many levels. My younger brother has had epilepsy since age 26 (he’s 50 now) and has been on Depakote for over 20 years. Although he has not experienced the dental problems you describe, the meds certainly have side effects including dry mouth, which puts teeth at risk. You need a thorough dental evaluation to get active disease, like your periodontal health, under control. Gum disease, if left untreated, can cause tooth loss.
I cannot make any treatment recommendations regarding your chipping teeth without more information. But it might be possible to restore your teeth with direct bonding as a stop-gap measure and replace your missing teeth with a relatively inexpensive removable partial until dental implants can be placed, but that is entirely up to your dentist.
I have personally orchestrated comprehensive care over a 10-year period where now my patient is coming to the end of active care with her missing teeth replaced with strategically-placed implants. She did not have a partial denture, but rather a fixed (non-removable) bridge using the few teeth she had for support. She is a nanny, so money was an issue…still is. Yet over the 10 years she never lost her smile.
You are young. Don’t despair…there are solutions available for you.
Best of luck,
Dr. Sinkin
One of my top baby teeth have been needed to be pulled out because of not moving for an adult tooth that is growing out of my gum. But yesterday, I thought that it had finally started to come loose, Little did I know that it had cracked in half and only the front was loose. This tooth also required a filling but the dentist had said that it needed to come out soon so don’t bother. When I look in the mirror I can see that from the side one half has cracked off, and that yesterday I was helping crack open the other side. the only thing holding this piece in is the rest of my tooth.
My dentist check up is due in a month or two.
Dear Alina,
Clearly the future status of this tooth has already been determined i.e., it needs to be extracted (according to your dentist). That it just broke only moves up the time table. I assume that you are not in pain. Often times the nerve of an over- retained baby tooth disintegrates naturally. If you are asking if you should wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment, I would suggest not and get the recommended treatment started before your gum possibly becomes irritated.
Good luck!
Dr.Sinkin
I’d truly appreciate your insight into my question:
About a year and a half ago, the dentist put a porcelain crown on my broken tooth, I got a root canal previously. From the very beginning I developed sensitivity, I went back to the dentist and one time he worked on the crown and the told me that I wouldn’t have this sensitivity afterwards, it just worked for a while, but then through time, this sensitive developed into pain, I came back to him, and while examining me, he used the tool dentists use to tap the tooth, he did it but very hard, it hurt me, both to the crown and of course, the broken tooth underneath: Could this have caused the total breakage of my tooth? … at the same time, he advised me to go back to the DDS and get a check up, because he told me it was related to the root canal, I went and he said that my tooth breakage has extended and that I needed to have it removed: To me this is very unfair, for I paid a high amount of money to have these two procedures done, and as I know, crowns are supposed to last for several years.
None of these two professional people are taking responsibility, for they said that it was my option to have the crown on my broken tooth.
Isn’t a crown supposed to be there to protect and cover up the tooth totally and that for several years??? .. if not, why would they recommend it??? Now, I noticing it’s affecting my gum next to the crown. I talked to the dentist and the only option he gave me it’s to have my tooth removed and afterwards to either to put an implant or a removable kind of a denture to cover up that space of the missing tooth, for either one, these are both very expensive!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Melody
Dear Melody,
I completely empathize with you and your predicament.
Here are a few questions:
1. Did your dentist or Endodontist convey to you at the onset of treatment that the prognosis of could be in question?
2. Do you know if your tooth had a vertical root fracture? Vertical root fractures nearly always need to be removed.
3. Were you given a cone beam C-T scan (which many root canal specialists have in their office may have detected a fracture, unless it was not necessarily present at the time of root canal.)
4. Did the tooth receive a post when the crown was made? Sometimes that can help propagate a crack down the root.
Most important, your gum irritation suggests that something needs to be done ASAP the surrounding bone is lost. I have to suggest a second opinion from an oral surgeon or periodontist.
Dr Sinkin