Snapped a chunk off a molar
Discussion
Its the second tooth from the back as per the picture below. See its split into four parts, I have managed to snap off one of those parts. What am I looking at? Big bill? crown? It was a little sensative but calmed down after a few days. Can I just get the sharp bits smoothed off?
I have booked an appointment with a dentist on Wednesday
I have booked an appointment with a dentist on Wednesday
Edited by Cotty on Saturday 7th August 17:56
Your tooth probably already has a filling and was fragile and you have broken off a cusp.
You could get it filed off if it's not too damaged and not sensitive or if there is enough retention/moisture control you could get it filled or sealed.
However the tooth sounds extremely fragile and you never know when it could open up and split in two if you crunch down on something without thinking.
I always use the analogy of driving in a car with bald tyres: You can drive perfectly well but at some point, you don't know when, you will probably slide off the road and have an accident ie your tooth will break.
You could get it filed off if it's not too damaged and not sensitive or if there is enough retention/moisture control you could get it filled or sealed.
However the tooth sounds extremely fragile and you never know when it could open up and split in two if you crunch down on something without thinking.
I always use the analogy of driving in a car with bald tyres: You can drive perfectly well but at some point, you don't know when, you will probably slide off the road and have an accident ie your tooth will break.
Can't really say without looking at the tooth. If the break is bad enough the tooth may have to come out. If its not too complicated, as mentioned it can be repaired.
In some cases, as Driller mentioned, it can be repaired now, but will be a timebomb waiting to go off.
Basically, you need to see your dentist and have a discussion with him about the different options available.
In some cases, as Driller mentioned, it can be repaired now, but will be a timebomb waiting to go off.
Basically, you need to see your dentist and have a discussion with him about the different options available.
I broke exactly the same tooth a few years back and left it till a couple of weeks ago 
purely because it didn't hurt!! Then the pain started....an abcsess developed under it and it was easily the most pain i've ever been in, started on a Friday evening so couldn't get it looked at till the Monday morning, prescribed amoxicillin and it was sorted inside 3 days. The first dentist i saw was a nice enough chap but didn't really give me any advice other than it was cheaper and quicker to extract the tooth, forgive me if i'm wrong but shouldn't they tell me what the best option is? Went back 2 weeks later for a pre op consultation with the surgeon who would extract the tooth and he said he wouldn't extract it as it would cause me problems eating and my quality of life would be affected!! I asked him why the first dentist hadn't mentioned this and he shot off to have a word with him!! Cue an arguement between the two of them with the second dentist basically calling me a liar as the first said he'd given me the options, now the second had gone cold on me and just gave me the 2 options. After his initial comments i went with keeping the tooth but the op (root canal) is with the first dentist on Tuesday at 08:55!! Hopefully he's either forgotten or is too professional to let all this affect his work.....i'm really not looking forward to it 
.
That's my story, but overall my advice is get it sorted ASAP because you really don't want an abcsess.
Does root canal work hurt by the way?
purely because it didn't hurt!! Then the pain started....an abcsess developed under it and it was easily the most pain i've ever been in, started on a Friday evening so couldn't get it looked at till the Monday morning, prescribed amoxicillin and it was sorted inside 3 days. The first dentist i saw was a nice enough chap but didn't really give me any advice other than it was cheaper and quicker to extract the tooth, forgive me if i'm wrong but shouldn't they tell me what the best option is? Went back 2 weeks later for a pre op consultation with the surgeon who would extract the tooth and he said he wouldn't extract it as it would cause me problems eating and my quality of life would be affected!! I asked him why the first dentist hadn't mentioned this and he shot off to have a word with him!! Cue an arguement between the two of them with the second dentist basically calling me a liar as the first said he'd given me the options, now the second had gone cold on me and just gave me the 2 options. After his initial comments i went with keeping the tooth but the op (root canal) is with the first dentist on Tuesday at 08:55!! Hopefully he's either forgotten or is too professional to let all this affect his work.....i'm really not looking forward to it .That's my story, but overall my advice is get it sorted ASAP because you really don't want an abcsess.
Does root canal work hurt by the way?
Edited by Pipster1969 on Sunday 8th August 10:55
Pipster1969 said:
Well the abcsess has long gone so hopefully no complications or pain, fingers crossed. Hadn't been to the dentist in over 25 years and that was the only problem he could find with my teeth, maybe drinking a lot of milk as a child does work.
Maintaining good oral hygiene - actually cleaning off the plaque, not just "brushing" 2-3 times a day - works a lot better.
Cotty said:
Its the second tooth from the back as per the picture below. See its split into four parts, I have managed to snap off one of those parts. What am I looking at? Big bill? crown? It was a little sensative but calmed down after a few days. Can I just get the sharp bits smoothed off?
I have booked an appointment with a dentist on Wednesday
Thanks for the illustration I have booked an appointment with a dentist on Wednesday
Edited by Cotty on Saturday 7th August 17:56
I lost a chunk of molar tooth earlier this year, I had been warned it was not good by another dentist 25 years ago. He said he was filling the fillings!
My dentist had a look at it and said I needed a crown and he isn't the sort to advise expensive work when it's not needed and a week later it was sorted with a nice new white tooth.
£490
My dentist had a look at it and said I needed a crown and he isn't the sort to advise expensive work when it's not needed and a week later it was sorted with a nice new white tooth.
£490
sinizter said:
Pipster1969 said:
Well the abcsess has long gone so hopefully no complications or pain, fingers crossed. Hadn't been to the dentist in over 25 years and that was the only problem he could find with my teeth, maybe drinking a lot of milk as a child does work.
Maintaining good oral hygiene - actually cleaning off the plaque, not just "brushing" 2-3 times a day - works a lot better.Had my root canal done today, hardly felt a thing, some unpleasant sensations but no pain, feels a little tender now but nowhere near as bad as the abcsess. Got to have it finished over the next 2 weeks with a crown being fitted, total cost......£198!! Got to love the NHS.
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