A chipped, cracked or broken tooth is usually a cosmetic dental issue; however it may become serious if the nerve tissue inside the tooth is exposed. The exposed nerve is in most cases is very painful and increases your risk for infection. You should see your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth assessed and to prevent infection presenting in the damaged area.
Your dentist would advise on whether the tooth requires repair with only a bonding material or whether a crown or veneer is necessary.
Learn more on chipped or cracked or broken tooth…
Pulpectomies
The pulp of a tooth is the inside soft tissue or “nerve” of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth so the tooth can be maintained until the correct time for normal tooth loss (exfoliation).
Cavities (caries) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy.
Pulp therapy is often referred to as a “baby root canal”, pulpotomy or pulpectomy.
A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion of the tooth. A disinfecting agent which also calms the remaining nerve tissue is then placed in the tooth. This is followed by a final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).
A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals are cleansed, medicated and in the case of primary teeth, filled with a resorbable material. Then a final restoration is placed (usually a stainless steel crown)
Brown spots, yellow teeth or stains
Brown spots and stains are usually a result of cigarettes, coffee, cola or wine consumption. Over time, these beverages stain the teeth on the surface and these stains can enter cracks and crevices present on the enamel of the tooth. Similarly, yellow teeth with age teeth become yellow due to exposure to such substances as well as the dentine layer becoming harder and dense. Rinsing or brushing your teeth after eating and drinking may help eliminate surface stains but will not treat deeper staining. Consult your dentist about a suitable teeth whitening system to assist brighten your smile.
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth symptoms present in pain when ones teeth are exposed to hot or cold sensations. The pain can be sharp or lingering depending on the cause of the sensitivity. Worn out tooth enamel, fractured teeth, cracked teeth, cavities or an exposed root canal can all cause sensitive teeth. Each tooth contains small hollow tubes called dentin. When a tooth loses its protective covering, the dentin allows hot or cold to travel down the tooth and stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin is also sometimes exposed as the gum recedes which causes hypersensitivity near the gum line.
Good oral hygiene is a key attribute to preventing damage of the protective covering of the tooth or receding gums. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or even over brush your teeth, these problems may present.
If you have tooth sensitivity, visit your dentist who can prescribe desensitizing tooth products which contain compounds that block sensations that make your tooth hurt.
Painful Teeth
Pain after a filling
Symptoms and causes
Sometimes an individual may experience pain immediately after getting a filling. We would recommend taking an over the counter pain reliever. If the pain persists, your dentists should be contacted to check if the bite needs adjusting or if a root canal is required. Always inform your dentist if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain after getting a filling.
Throbbing pain (due to an abscess)
Symptoms and causes
Possible causes of throbbing pain is an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth and the main symptoms present as throbbing pain and swelling which indicates a dental emergency.
Read more on abscessed tooth
Sharp Pain
The symptoms and causes
Possible cause of sharp pain is tooth sensitivity or a cracked tooth.
Read more on tooth sensitivity or cracked teeth.
Lingering Pain
The symptoms and causes
Possible cause of Lingering pain is tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, wisdom tooth pain, pericorinitis.
Click on the symptoms above to read more on them.
Pain associated with Hot or Cold
The symptoms and causes
Possible cause of pain associated with hot or cold foods or drinks is tooth sensitivity, cracked tooth or tooth decay
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Tooth Decay
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque which may lead to decay of the tooth. Tooth decay (commonly called a cavity) creates a hole that weakens the tooth structure. When the cavity damage is picked up early and is relatively small, your dentist can fill the area with a common filling and easily fix the problem. However, if decay is left untreated, it can penetrate all the way to the centre of the tooth and attack the nerve of the tooth. This will result in a more complicated issue which may lead to an infection of that area (an abscess) and the nerve may die. Regular visits to your dentists are vital to assess the health and condition of the tooth as well as early cavity detection.
Permanent or temporary Crown is loose or falls out
Poorly Cemented
Inadequate adherence of the cement to the tooth can be due to moisture contamination. This causes the crown to become loose much quicker and eventually fall out. It can be aggravated with biting and chewing.
Tooth Decay
Keep in mind that there is a natural tooth present beneath the crown; therefore it can still become decayed. It is very important to practice adequate brushing and flossing methods to prevent decay of the tooth.