I chipped a front tooth. What qualifies as a minor crack, and what warrants emergency dental care?

Best-case scenario: count on closed-mouth selfies for the foreseeable future. Worst case: the chip exposes the nerves inside the tooth, causing you some pain and increased sensitivity (thus, an emergency trip). While your initial reaction may be panic (normal!), use that adrenaline to make immediate contact with your dentist. No matter which tooth it is, if you fractured something and the damage is minimal, it can likely be left alone and addressed at a later time. Ultimately, treatments range from evaluation and doing nothing to polishing a rough area or treating that tooth under that dentist’s comfort level. Bottom line – it’s best to communicate any and all changes to your dentist.

My teeth sensitivity has increasingly intensified over the past few weeks. What can I do to ease the ache I get from hot and cold temps?

Teeth sensitivity can stem from a number of things, like tooth decay, leaky fillings, receding gums, and nerve problems. Until you see your dentist next, you should keep your mouth as clean as possible (brushing, flossing, and using a disinfectant mouthwash). Use lukewarm water and avoid cold/hot foods and sweets that may trigger the sensitivity. If it is truly a ‘sensitivity’ versus a ‘toothache,’ try to bear with it until you can be seen by your dentist in a non-emergency situation. If it becomes a constant toothache, then it is considered an urgency or emergency.

What’s the absolute longest I can wait to get my (painless) cavity filled?

Keep in mind that when it comes to cavities, there is no one-size-fits-all. Not every cavity comes with symptoms, and there is no standard way to treat each one. It depends upon the size of the cavity when it was diagnosed. If it was large to begin with, the chance of it resulting in a root canal or crown instead of a filling heightens. Deep cavities can be and often are painless. The absence of pain does not mean there isn’t a problem. We recommend stepping up your routine in the meantime. In addition to your brushing and flossing, we would recommend taking extra care during this time by adding a fluoride rinse, and cutting down on sugary and acidic drinks and snacks. Keep an eye out for discolouration or increased sensitivity.