Dental Conditions & Symptoms
Not sure what it is? Start with the question that sounds like yours — then call, or use the triage tool.
Common conditions we treat
Select a topic to learn about symptoms, causes, and when to seek care.
In severe pain?
Throbbing or lingering tooth pain needs an exam, not a guess from a web page.
Swelling or an abscess?
A dental abscess does not drain itself safely. Swelling that affects breathing is a hospital emergency.
Broke a tooth?
A broken tooth can leave a sharp edge or an exposed nerve. Many fractures can be protected the day you call.
Chipped a tooth?
A small chip is usually a same-week visit unless it is painful.
Cracked your tooth?
Cracks are often invisible on a normal x-ray. Pain on release of biting pressure is the classic sign.
Knocked out a tooth?
An adult tooth that is completely out has about 60 to 90 minutes if it is to be put back.
Lost a crown or filling?
A lost crown or filling leaves dentin open to air, cold, and sweets. Reattachment is often possible if you keep the crown.
Wisdom tooth pain?
Pain at the back of the jaw is often a wisdom tooth, and swelling toward the throat should not wait.
Dealing with dry socket?
Dry socket is severe pain a few days after a tooth was removed, often after the first days were improving.
Hit in the mouth?
A blow to the teeth or jaws needs a same-day look, even when the teeth look intact.
Afraid of the dentist?
Avoiding the dentist is common. This page is about the first conversation, not about pushing you into a procedure.
Missing a tooth?
A gap can be left, bridged, or replaced with an implant. The right one depends on the neighbouring teeth and the bone.
Loose adult tooth?
An adult tooth that moves is not normal. Sudden looseness is a same-day call.
Sensitive teeth?
Sensitivity that stops when the cold is gone is different from pain that lingers.
Bleeding gums?
Pink on the brush is a gum signal. Stopping cleaning makes it worse.
Jaw pain or clicking?
We assess jaw pain and TMD. We do not call that a TMJ specialty.
Grinding your teeth?
Grinding wears teeth and wakes partners. An exam tells us which guard, if any, is worth making.
Bad breath that will not go?
Persistent bad breath with a clean routine is a reason for an exam, not another mint.
Snoring or gasping at night?
Dentists do not diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance comes after a physician and a sleep study.