Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 1/6/2009

Question
I fractured a tooth about 5 years ago while grinding my teeth at night(I have a bite-guard now), and had a root canal and crown to try and fix the tooth.  I continued to have problems so about 3 years ago i had the tooth pulled, and got a bridge to cover the gap left.  Now the front tooth that the bridge is attached to is sore, and at the base of the tooth where it meets my gum the tooth is black.  It is not unbearably painful nor does heat or cold make it worse.  I am just curious as to what could be going on, and how soon I should get it checked out?

Answer
Dear Angelique,

In the absence of diagnostic information, I can't offer much more than speculation-- the black area at the crown margin may or may not be related to the pain, and there could be any of a wide variety of problems to account for your symptoms: the cement might have washed out of the abutment crown, or you may have developed a periodontal or endodontic infection, or you may have suffered a root fracture, or you might even be experiencing referred pain from an unrelated dental or non-dental problem.

The only thing that can be reliably stated is that pain is a sign of some abnormality, and because the significance of that abnormality has yet to be determined, it would be best to visit a dentist and have your symptoms assessed at your first opportunity.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY