What it means: When a tooth is broken, cracked, or chipped due to trauma, it can expose the nerve or pulp, causing pain and potential risk of infection.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will assess the severity of the break and may perform treatments ranging from dental bonding for small chips to root canal therapy and crowns for more severe fractures.

What it means: Persistent tooth pain could indicate a cavity, abscess, infection, or gum disease, which requires immediate attention.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will first diagnose the cause of the pain. Treatments may include filling a cavity, draining an abscess, or, in severe cases, root canal therapy to alleviate pain and treat the infection.

What it means: Avulsion of a tooth means the tooth has been completely dislodged from its socket, often due to trauma.

‍How it’s addressed: Time is critical. The dentist may attempt to re-implant the tooth if it’s done quickly. The tooth should be kept in milk or a saline solution until reaching the clinic. If re-implantation isn’t possible, options like dental implants or bridges may be discussed.

What it means: Biting on hard objects can cause cracks that may extend into the root, leading to sensitivity or pain when chewing.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist may use dental bonding or a crown to restore and protect the tooth. Severe cracks that reach the pulp might require root canal therapy to prevent infection.

What it means: Bleeding and swollen gums can indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease, especially if accompanied by pain or a foul taste.

‍How it’s addressed: A thorough cleaning to remove plaque buildup is usually necessary, followed by scaling and root planing if gum disease is advanced. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there’s an infection.

What it means: Food particles or foreign objects can sometimes get stuck between teeth, irritating the gums or even leading to infection if not removed.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will gently remove the object, using specialized tools if needed, and inspect for damage. They may recommend rinsing and avoiding sharp objects to prevent further injury.

What it means: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, often originating from untreated decay or gum disease.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics to control infection, and may perform root canal therapy to remove the source of infection. In extreme cases, tooth extraction might be necessary.

What it means: While loose baby teeth are normal, excessive pain or bleeding could suggest an issue, such as an impacted tooth or infection.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will examine the tooth and may recommend removing it if it’s causing significant discomfort or interfering with adult tooth eruption.

What it means: Swelling and pain in the jaw can result from an infected tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, or a jaw injury.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will assess the cause of the swelling. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain management, and possibly surgical intervention if an impacted wisdom tooth or severe infection is involved.

What it means: A lost filling exposes the vulnerable inner layers of the tooth, leading to sensitivity, pain, and potential decay.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will clean the area and replace the filling to protect the tooth structure. A crown may be recommended if the tooth’s structure has weakened.

What it means: A dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges after extraction, exposing bone and nerves and causing intense pain.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will clean the area, place a medicated dressing to ease pain, and provide instructions to avoid further complications while healing.

What it means: When a crown or bridge becomes loose, it can expose the tooth beneath, leading to discomfort and increased risk of decay.

‍How it’s addressed: The dentist will remove and clean the crown or bridge, checking the tooth underneath for decay. A new or re-cemented crown will protect the tooth and restore function.