About Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. Expertise Comprehensive Dentistry, TMJ Dysfunction Therapy, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Nineteen years of experience including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private rehabilitative practice.
Experience I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private dental practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of excellence.
Question I broke what seems to be the upper part of a back tooth yesterday on a popcorn kernel. Perhaps some filling was chipped off also. No pain whatsoever. Just some jagged edges back there. Is it possible to deal with this just by smoothing the edges, or is it always necessary to fill and crown it? Thanks.
Answer David,
Thanks for asking. It depends on how much of the filling and/or tooth actually broke away. If only a small portion of the outer enamel shell was damaged, it may be possible to smooth the rough edges without placing a filling. However, if the inside dentin part of the tooth is exposed, a filling will be needed to seal the area. Should a broad enough area break off to impact the bite, replacement of the missing part might be necessary to reestablish a proper bite relationship.
