Expert: Rafael Mosery,D.D.S. - 9/5/2007

Question
Hi, my girlfriend is currently on holiday and has fallen over and chipped one of her teeth quite badly (although I have not seen it yet).  She tried to see a dentist out in Greece but they haven't been an help.  The chipped tooth has now gone slightly darker than before and she is getting tingling sensations in it.  She is due back home in about 3 days and will see a dentist asap.  In the meantime she would like to know what the cause of the tingling sensation is likely to be and what will be the likely procedure for correcting the damage?  (this incident happened about 3 days ago).  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Greg,
If the tooth is getting darker the trauma most probably resulted in devitalization.This means that a root canal will probably be in order.When she gets back an x ray and clinical exam should provide further guidance but that's what it sounds like from here.