Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 11/8/2006

Question
This morning a portion of my left lower molar chipped away from the filling in the tooth. The compromised area is in between the adjacent tooth. I just completed a routine cleaning, x-rays and dental exam approximately 1 month ago and my dentist didn't note any problems with the tooth at that time. Right now, the mercury filling in that area is exposed. What should I expect if I decide to visit my dentist. The tooth was never painful nor am I in pain right now. The concept of needing to have that tooth pulled or a crown with root canal really frightens me as I have had neither, only an occasional cavity. During my recent visit, my dentist checked the condition of my fillings, indicated they were sound/no cracks, and would last a while longer. Is it possible to refill this tooth and rebuild it where it chipped? FYI it is a longitudinal chip above the gum line.  

Answer
anna
from what you describe, this is very common. i see these about weekly. usually there is a 2 or 3 surface filling in the tooth. the filling does fine. a cusp breaks off from next to it, exactly as you described. most often a crown is needed to restore it. you usually do not need a root canal so do not worry about that. your dentist would not have seen anything a month ago. usually the only warning you might get would be a little cold or chewing pain leading up to the cusp breaking. call your dentist tomorrow. maybe if things are small enough, a filling can be done. but most often a crown is indicated. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds