Dental mishaps and emergencies happen every day.
It is important you contact your dentist immediately if you have sudden severe pain, a swollen face, swollen gums, a loose tooth, or tender gums. Because these are all signs of infection or an acute abscess.
But what if it’s on a weekend?
Or it happens when you’re out of town?
Or when your dentist is unreachable?
Has something like this ever happened to you?
Scene l – You Are Halted Mid-Chew
It’s Saturday night and you’re at a restaurant with friends. Or perhaps on a date.
Suddenly, you bite into something that’s unexpectedly hard – like an olive pit in your salad. You are jolted by a sharp wince of pain that halts you in mid-chew.
The pain continues with waves of aftershocks. It’s kind of like if you stubbed your bare toe on a block of concrete. Finally, the pain retreats.
But you realize your tooth just broke and you have no idea what to do when a tooth cracks.
Scene 2 – You Lose a Crown or Filling
You’re on vacation with your family. You’re in an old-fashioned candy when you spy some candy you haven’t seen since childhood – Charleston Chews! You can’t resist and you buy a bag.
You take one bite and feel the warm embrace of gooey chocolate taffy.
Uh-Oh! A crown has just been pulled off your tooth. Or…one of your large fillings just abandoned your molar.
What do you do?
Here are…
5 Common Dental Emergencies & What To Do Until You Can See A Dentist
1. A Chipped Tooth
- If there’s no pain: A chipped tooth usually will have jagged, sharp edges that love to grab your lip, cheek, or tongue. Use an emery board to gently smooth out the rough edges of your tooth until you can see a dentist.
- If the tooth is sensitive to cold, sugar, or heat: When a tooth first chips or breaks, it’s very sensitive to touch and temperature. This usually fades over time, but frequently applying Sensodyne toothpaste to the affected area can bring you some relief until you can see a dentist.
2. Your Tooth Cracks Or You Lose A Filling
Many products are available in the dental aisles of your local pharmacy that can help:
- DentTemp: Whether you use the premixed or powder version, place it in the void and pat it with water to harden the material. Then bite into it while it’s still soft. Scrape away any excess material with a toothpick.
- Dent’s Toothache Gum: Soften the gum in your mouth and place it on your affected tooth. If you can’t find Dent’s gum or can’t get to a pharmacy, you can use sugarless chewing gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol, instead. Mold it into the sensitive area to protect it. (A softened piece of household candle wax can also be hand-molded and pressed into place.)
- Sensodyne or Fluoridated Toothpaste: Coat your tooth with the toothpaste. Then cover the area with sugarless chewing gum or softened candle wax.
- If A Significant Portion Of Your Tooth Broke Off: If a significant portion of your tooth broke off and if the tooth has a large filling, there’s a good chance your filling is secure. This is even more serious than if your tooth cracks. If the tooth fragment has broken off completely, once the initial pain fades, you can continue your meal. But avoid cold, sweets, and extreme heat. If your tooth breaks and is dangling from your gum, go to the restroom with a glass of ice water. Place a piece of ice against your gum where the tooth is loose for 30 seconds. Be careful not to put the ice directly on the tooth. Your gum will get numb enough that you will be able to gently and painlessly remove the loose, broken piece of tooth. If the gum bleeds a bit, bite on a tissue or paper towel for a few minutes, and it should stop.
3. A Dislodged Cap Or Crown
- First, clean and dry both your tooth and the cap or crown. Place a dab of Fixodent or Polygrip into it and put it back in place. Then, tap your teeth together. If you can get to the store, make a loose slurry of flour and water and use it the same way. The cap or crown will only stay in place temporarily – so it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
4. A Dislodged Porcelain Veneer
- Try placing the veneer back on your tooth in the proper position. When you’ve got the hang of it, carefully place a dab of Krazy Glue inside and push it into place. Wipe away excess cement with nail polish remover. Remember, just a little dab will do ya!
5. Irritated, Tender Gums, Canker Sores or Inflamed Wisdom Teeth
- Rinse your mouth with Listerine or with a warm salt-water rinse. Swish vigorously. (Do not gargle). An anesthetic salve like Ambesol can also be applied for quick relief.
Remember, all the solutions above offer only temporary relief. If your tooth cracks or you lose a crown or you experience any of the dental emergencies above, please see a dentist right away.
If you’re one of my patients, you can always reach me by calling 212-685-3040. If the office is closed, listen to the message and you will be given my cell number.
Related Reading:
- What To Do When You Have A Dental Problem & Your Dentist’s Office Is Closed
- Chipped Front Tooth? You May Have Bruxism
DISCLAIMER: The advice I offer in response to your questions is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. Namely, I am in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. My intent is solely educational and my responses to your actual questions serve as a springboard for discussion of a variety of dental topics that come up in day-to-day dental practice. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.
259 Responses
Dear Dr. Sinkin,
I had a root canal in late 2019/early 2020 on the second from the last molar on the bottom right side. I was born without wisdom teeth (lucky me!) & the molar behind it was pulled years ago. So after having the root canal it was filled with an amalgam filing (I believe) until I could afford a crown. Covid hit, lost my job/insurance & other teeth needed fixing. The tooth broke about 7 months ago (2 broke in one day) but this molar, one of the cusps & broke & the dentist said it was to far gone & it needed to be pulled. He filled it down so it was jagged & I got 3 other teeth fixed in the mean time but I’ve been on a very tight budget with this tooth being the last to be fixed/pulled since I had no pain at all.
I finally made an appointment with an oral surgeon my dentist doesn’t pull teeth that are in really bad shape & I have an appointment with an oral surgeon in August & I’m on a waiting list for an earlier appointment. I clench my teeth a lot & now I only have 1/4 of the enamel one little cusp left but a big black stump still in place. I’m not sure if that’s a filling or what but it’s starting to become more irritated & I’m scared the rest of the enamel is about to fall right off. It’s basically chipping away each day. Can this tooth still be pulled? I can see the white part of my tooth eat the gum line but if all the enamel crumbles away before I can get to the oral surgeon will they have to do a bigger procedure? Like I said there is a large black tooth or filing that is in place but only 1/4 of the white tooth left that is chipping away. Should I call & try to get in right away or on antibiotics since it’s starting to hurt a little bit or will it be ok if all the enamel crumbles completely off?
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I’m terrified of what will happen & going to the oral surgeon in general. Thank you for any input.
Sincerely,
Michele C.
Dear Michele,
Your description and attention to details are impressive. You clearly have been paying attention to the state of your dental health, and you are not alone as to how Covid-19 put regular dental care on “holiday.” Fear of getting sick and of course the financial hardship brought on by the pandemic have prevented many people from taking care of their teeth.
Regardless of the amount of chipping you’re witnessing, your oral surgeon should not have difficulties extracting it. I would suggest you avoid chewing on it and keep it clean. Brush if it doesn’t hurt. If your gums become very tender or swollen, if you develop pain and/or swelling, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon in case you need an antibiotic.
When your financial situation improves, you may want to consider dental implants.
Best of luck to you.
Dr. Sinkin
Hi, My name is Nevaeh, I have a crown on the very front bottom left tooth. About 5 months ago I woke up to find the very front bottom right tooth that sits next to my crown chipped a little on the top and then cracked a little on the side, almost as if my crown is too big or doesn’t fit. And then also, if I look at the bottom of my crown the gum seems to be receding just a little bit, but nowhere else in my mouth. I haven’t yet gone to the dentist because none of it really gives me any pain. Do you know whats happened?
Dear Nevaeh,
I wish that I could be helpful in this matter but alas, your description does not give me a full picture of what exactly is happening, or more specifically, what has happened to your teeth. Did you crack your natural tooth while eating? do you grind (brux) your teeth and perhaps dislodged a previously existing filling or chipped your tooth? Was this a condition that existed prior to your crown placement and are just noticing it since your crown was placed? Is your gum inflamed around the margin(edge) of the crown causing the gum to recede? Are you seeing the edge of the crown near or slightly above the gum-line and assuming the gun receded because you see exposed tooth beyond/below the crown margin? “The more one looks, the more one sees.” It is time to call your dentist and have him/her check it all out. That you have no discomfort is a good sign, BUT if you are reaching out to me for answers, you would be best served by asking your doctor.
Best of health,
Dr. Sinkin
Hello,
About three years ago, a prominent London, UK dental practise, who are know for upmarket cosmetic dentistry, made crowns for my lower teeth, three each side.
One crown, which has a peg set into a root canal tooth, has so far comes loose five times since then. The dentist’s explanation is the tooth does not have enough (above the gum line?) to hold the crown, and each time his solution is to keep gluing it back on. Today another crown came loose. Does this sound right for crowns that cost £900 each? I would appreciate your feedback Dr Sinkin. Scott
Dear Scott,
In general, it is possible for a crown, even a well-fitting one, to become unseated or dislodged if one were to chew something that is tacky or chewy enough to lift it from the tooth and break its cement seal. That said, your experience with a crown that has repeatedly come off is problematic. If as your dentist stated, there is not enough tooth to grab, then the problem you’re having may continue until the tooth breaks or it decays.
It has been said: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In my opinion, a different approach is probably needed which could be a crown-lengthening procedure or a dental implant. You should discuss options with your dentist. From what you describe, this tooth was destined to have the problem and the time has come for a new approach.
Good luck – and no caramels for you!
Dr. Sinkin
I just broke part of my crown off (appears to just be the porcelain piece that has broken off). It’s not hurting, and doesn’t seem to be sensitive to cold drinks, but I can feel that it’s slightly tender if I bite down on that side (which I’m trying not to do). I’m out of town, and not planning to be back home for another week. Is it ok to wait over a week to be seen by my dentist? I also wear a night guard at night because I grind my teeth. Is it ok to wear that? I didn’t know if it would out pressure on the remaining part of the crown when I try to take it off. Trying to decide if we need to cut our trip short and go home right away. Thanks for any help you can give!
Dear Renee,
If your crown is PFM (porcelain fused to metal) the tooth itself is probably protected. If you have a ceramic crown, some tooth may be exposed and some sensitivity, especially to temperature, can be expected. I often recommend to my patients who are in this situation that they use sensodyne toothpaste to help with the sensitivity. I can’t recommend that you do or do not wear your night guard, but maybe go without it until you get home. Of course, call your dentist for an appt. for when you get back as soon as possible.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Dr. Sinkin
Hi! I had a root canal down through a crown on my last molar. The wisdom teeth have been removed. AND the next molar has been removed as well. So, i have had a root canal of the last molar I have on my bottom left. BUT, there was little to no tooth left to hold the crown. My dentist cemented it 3 times, against his better judgement, and there just isn’t enough of a tooth left to hold it any longer. What is the next step for me? Extraction? (and then an implant? )
Dear Amanda,
Certainly, an implant is a predictable option. Without an x-ray, I really cannot evaluate your tooth. There are predictable procedures such as placing a post and core to build up the tooth to support a crown and minor gum surgery called crown lengthening to expose more tooth for the crown to grap (both of which may be necessary). But sight unseen I cannot say if it is feasible for you. You may choose to have the tooth removed and both replaced.
Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Hi, my crown fell out a couple of months ago. I went back to dentist to have it fitted again but I was told that it’s been too long and the teeth have grown together making it impossible to fit the crown back on? Should I try get a second opinion?
Dear Madi,
That depends on how much confidence and trust you have in your dentist. Teeth do move if given the chance. Spaces created by missing teeth or crowns often lead to such movement. Having a crown out for several months is a situation ripe for what happened to your tooth. The pandemic and subsequent quarantine set the stage for such a situation. Many dental offices were unavailable to handle what would have been a simple fix i.e., recement the crown in a timely fashion. A definite bummer, sorry.
Dr. SINKIN
Hi,
I had a temporary crown fitted on my front tooth this morning. I was just wondering, can I drink water normally? I will eat soft foods and try to chew away from the crown but I’m scared it will dislodge and come off? My next appt is in 4 weeks time to get the permanent crown sorted out. I e searched online but found no real answers hence asking here. Can I eat and drink normally (apart from hard/sticky/chewy foods) what about drinking tea?
Thanks
Dear Debs,
Avoid hot beverages as they can soften the temporary cement. And of course, don’t floss the temporary.
Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Hi im so glad i came across this site. i just broke the front off a back tooth and the filling beneath is exposed but not falling out. Its Friday night on a bank holiday weekend in Rural Ireland so no dentist open or chemist until Tuesday and regular stores here do not sell temp tooth repair kits. I initially thought of using candle wax or gum to cover it but another website i came across said not to use candle wax and i have no gum available so i carried on searching and found my way here, took your advice above (my initial idea using candle wax) and has covered it perfectly. I only had a scented candle on hand haha but oh well the taste of perfume is better than pain or breaking the tooth further i guess.. Glad you give some practical diy solutions for these kind of situations..
Thank you
Dear Nicole,
I am glad that you found my advice helpful. It is likely that your tooth will be fine and the sensitivity will diminish in the coming days. Evidently, you broke off a section of unsupported tooth (due to the size of the existing filling and hitting that section of tooth with just the right amount of force.) If you have Sensodyne toothpaste, it can help with the sensitivity. Enjoy the weekend and don’t floss that area.
Be well.
Michael Sinkin DDS
Hello Dr. Sinkin,
I’ve recently noticed a small part of the dental crown holding 3 of my teeth together has chipped, but my gum has been hurting in that area for the past few days. The tooth underneath is exposed and is sensitive to hot and cold. How do you suggest I take of care of it? I have a picture of it if you would like me to send it to you privately.
Thank You
Dear Pav,
If the crown was developing a crack, your gum may have become sensitive because the piece may have lifted away from the tooth allowing bacteria to invade the space and cause irritation. Many of my patients when in this predicament use desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Proenamel by Sensodyne. This is how most dentists recommend you use it: apply it to your tooth and let it sit there for 30 seconds or so.
Some patients apply a thin layer of temporary dental filling material like Dentemp.
But, do not attempt a home repair without calling your dentist.
Take care. Good luck. Be safe.
Dr. Sinkin
Dear D
I most probably swallowed my gold teeth it was a L shaped gold teeth and I am 2 months pregnant.Is it going to effect my baby?..I’m scared
If you swallowed it, it would be a good idea to look in your stool for the next several days to make sure that it passes through. You might want to increase your fiber intake to move things along. I would also suggest telling your obstetrician. Maybe they can do an ultrasound to visualize or refer you to a gastroenterologist if it’s deemed necessary.
Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Dr. Sinkin
I chipped my front tooth, and bought Dentemp to help bond, however, it keeps slipping off even after 2 hours on. Is there a way to bond the Dentemp better?
Dear Tracey,
I am sorry to say that if it is a chip and not a lost or broken filling, Dentemp won’t be of much help especially if the chip is flat in nature (versus an actual “hole” or void.)
In this time of COVID 19, dentists are seeing emergency patients and this is a dental emergency. If the tooth is sensitive, try applying Sensodyne. If you have a clear orthodontic retainer, you can place the Dentemp on your tooth and then insert the retainer to hold it in place. Sight unseen, I can’t visualize the actual defect and advise you accordingly. I wish I could be more helpful.
Wishing you well,
Dr. Sinkin
Hi there,
I’ve searched the web and can’t find what I’m looking for anywhere. My second molar had a root canal, the only one I’ve ever had. My third molar next to it used to hurt once and a while, but I’m concerned this time around, since it’s next to a rootcanaled tooth. (It’s not impacted, but just a fat wisdom tooth that won’t fit all the way in my mouth). Should I be concerned?
Dear Alexander,
I am going to make two assumptions. 1. Your wisdom tooth is bothering you now. 2. Your second molar which had root canal has been properly restored and protected with a crown or similar restoration.
So, if the wisdom tooth is symptomatic or because of its position you are unable to properly clean the area (in particular the side of the side of second molar), you may want to discuss with your dentist if it should be removed.
If the wisdom tooth is just sitting there idly without any issues, if you’re concerned, I may recommend asking your dentist to take an x-ray.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
The pain has since subsided. I just focused a lot more on cleaning it better… and it went away.
Thank you for a thoughtful response, to someone who not only isn’t your client, but doesn’t even live near you!!
I wish you were my dentist. LoL
Dear Alexander,
You are so welcome. In light of what is going on around us, please be safe and keep on washing those hands.
Be well,
Dr. Sinkin
Dear Dr-
One thing I did not see mentioned was the application of ice when nothing else works until one can get care.
I had a tooth crack and the most excruciating pain I ever had in my entire life happen on a Friday morning. My Dentist gave me a shot but that did not help. Only ice in my mouth helped over Friday, Sat and Sun night until an Ortho was able to do a root canal Monday morning.
Buy a bug back of ice and a paper cup and suck the ice. Put ice in a plastic bag in your mouth while you try and sleep. It will numb the pain!
– MA
Dear MA,
I am glad you found relief from your suffering. Glad to hear you were able to manage the pain until you saw your dentist. Thanks for your input.
Dr. Sinkin
The temporary crown I got came out in two pieces. It was put on after a root canal. what can I do so I can eat until I get back to the dentist.
Dear Marie,
The only thing that you can do is to avoid eating or biting on the same side as the tooth in question and to keep the area clean. Make a dental appointment as soon as you can.
Best of health to you,
Dr. Sinkin
My tooth has cracked before I could get a crown and all you can see th is the gold metal and the filling is gone as well is this bad thing until I can see a dentist
Dear Aimee,
The good news is that you don’t have pain. It’s possible you broke off weakened tooth structure and the filling that was being supported by it. I suggest that you call your dentist and see if he/she can stabilize and protect your tooth before it could possibly fracture more. I understand that Covid-19 has restricted the scope of dental practices, but this falls under the guidelines of emergency/urgent care. If you can’t get to your dentist, keep the tooth clean with normal brushing. I would avoid flossing lest you pull out any remaining filling. Some of my patients get temporary dental filling material like DenTemp and “plug up” the void. It would be in the dental care aisle. Avoid hard foods. Definitely call your dentist.
Be well.
Dr. Sinkin
Hello Dr. Sinkin
I had a crown placed on one of my molars 4 years ago. I started to develop pain there that would last 20 minutes a day a few times a day. I went to see my dentist who said I can’t tell what’s going on there unless I remove the crown. He began removing the crown and half way through I started feeling terrible pain even with numbing me multiple times. He said he can’t continue and that I should see an endo. So now he left the crown with some parts removed and I can feel a huge crack in the back of the crown. Now I’m in constant pain 24/7. I won’t be able to see the specialist for about a week. I have to make an appointment. I’m concerned about the pain that was 20 minutes a day to now 24 hours after he attempted to remove the crown and also concerned about infection. Any advise? Thanks!
Dear Sara,
From what you describe, I may suggest two courses of action:
1. Call the endodontist and convey that you are in pain and need to be seen on an emergency basis to get relief.
2. Consider finding another dentist. In my experience, a diagnosis warranting root canal therapy can be done without removing a crown – unless there is an obvious cavity under the crown or the crown is compromised/broken. A referral to the specialist to evaluate the situation may have been a more prudent course.
Of course, my second recommendation is based on the limited information you provided without the benefits of x-rays or examination.
Good luck to you!
Dr. Sinkin
Dear Sara,
From what you describe, I may suggest two courses of action:
1. Call the endodontist and convey that you are in pain and need to be seen on an emergency basis to get relief.
2. Consider finding another dentist. In my experience, a diagnosis warranting root canal therapy can be done without removing a crown – unless there is an obvious cavity under the crown or the crown is compromised/broken. A referral to the specialist to evaluate the situation may have been a more prudent course.
Of course, my second recommendation is based on the limited information you provided without the benefits of x-rays or examination.
Good luck to you!
Dr. Sinkin
Hi-
I had a deep filling fall out about 2 yrs ago. The dentist said it was so deep, I should get root canal and a crown, which I did. The endodontist spent a long time (he commented it was) cleaning out the root. For about 2 weeks after the crown, I had no pain. Then, I started having pain when I pushed the crown with my tongue or finger. i saw several dentists and the endodontist again. I had numerous x-rays and was told that everything looked fine.
I have learned to live with the pain. It is honestly not bad enough that I would even take an Advil, but i would prefer not to have the pain and would like to know why.
Thank you, Ellen Cort
Dear Ellen,
Clearly something is amiss despite the fact that you were told: “everything looks fine.” If everything was fine, it wouldn’t hurt when you put pressure on it. It is curious that your tooth was fine for two weeks before it started bothering you and it is this timeline that has caught my attention. While I cannotdiagnose sight unseen, patients who have your complaint sometimes need their bite to be adjusted. When the bite is off – even slightly – the ligament around the tooth gets irritated. As time passes, the excessive biting force on a “high spot” increases the irritation and the tooth becomes demonstrably sore. If they clench or grind their teeth at night, the problem is exacerbated. If the crown is made of zirconium, the hardness of the material can exaggerate even a relatively minor bite discrepancy. Other times an undetectable fracture within the tooth or an extra canal in a tooth can be the problem. I suggest finding a dentist who will carefully evaluate your occlusion. I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for reading!
Feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
Dr. Sinkin
I’m glad I found your website as I need unbiased advice on what to do. I had a root canal performed on my number 14 tooth about 20 yrs ago. I lost number 15 after many years of complaining of tooth sensitivity it apparently had a crack under the filling that eventually abscessed and was unable to be saved. So this tooth is the last one I have on top on this side.
During the root canal of number 14 I experienced a lot of pain (the dentist said I had more roots and nerves then normal?) the drill bit broke off inside the root and he was unable to complete the root canal. Nevertheless he assured me he could move forward with crown placement without a problem. Since I didn’t know any better we went ahead with the treatment plan. However, I still experienced pain and was worried about infection.
I saw another dentist for a second opinion he he recommended a oral surgeon specializing in root canals. That was another painful root canal. He did the root canal by drilling into the crown not removing it like I had supposed he would. He sent me to my new dentist for a filling for in the crown. My new dentist filled my porcelain crown with silver amalgam.
Last night after days of cold sensitivity my crown or tooth chip off this tooth while brushing my teeth. Now warm and cool is very sensitive. Isn’t my root suppose to be dead? How come i’m feeling anything? No pain yet but I’m afraid it will come. We now live in a rural area no dentist and no insurance (retired).
What are my options? Can I pull the remaining tooth? No post as far as I know under the crown but I’m not sure. I’d sure hate to have another root canal done on this tooth as the experience is coming back to me more and more vivid. Thank you
Dear Celeste,
It sounds like you’ve been put through the wringer and I am sorry for your suffering. It is a regrettable occurrence when a root canal file breaks within a tooth. Unfortunately, it can happen even with the best of dentists. What happens afterward and how the situation is handled can make all the difference to the tooth and the patient. There is much information that I would need in order to make an accurate assessment of the events you describe. I can’t explain why you would have temperature sensitivity on #14 if all the canals were treated. Unless another tooth in the area is actually the culprit causing you the problem.
I would suggest seeking a consultation with an endodontist (a dentist that specializes in root canal). The endodontist can thoroughly evaluate your condition and determine what is going on in your mouth. If the tooth cannot be saved, he or she will give you an objective appraisal of your treatment options.
I wish you luck. Please let me know what happens.
Dr. Sinkin
I received a crown about 3 months ago but the crown broke tonight on the bottom left back tooth. Will I have to pay for another replacement since my insurance only cover replacement crown once every 7 yrs? What will be my options since I have very little tooth left.
Dear Tamara,
I can only answer your question in the context of if you were my patient and had this disappointing development. No, I would not charge you to replace your crown. Please call your dentist. I would expect him to feel the same way.
Best,
Dr. Sinkin
Hello Doctor
4 years ago I went for wisdom tooth extraction and the surgeon broke my tooth 31 which was perfectly fine. I had to do root canal for that and crown placed . 2 yrs ago I placed crown again.. Since one side is slightly below the gum level the dentist said we can try crown but not sure how long will it succeed.. the crown came off and now it looks the tooth is broken into half..
What options I have? Should I just extract and leave it as the tooth is supporting molar? If I leave without extracting will it cause issue?
Dear Rafiq,
So as I understand the situation, four years ago when your tooth #31 broke, your dentist felt it was an important enough tooth to treat and save. Unfortunately (for reasons that are not clear to me and perhaps not explained to you) the treatment failed. Two crowns and a root canal later (in what has been a very short time period), you are faced with the same dilemma that began following your wisdom tooth extraction.
My thoughts are that if the tooth was important enough to treat then, it is still an important tooth to maintain. Perhaps the tooth did not have sufficient structure to support the crown. Was a post placed to gain more surface area for the crown to grab onto? Perhaps the tooth fractured below the gum and bone and maybe a procedure called crown lengthening was or is now needed (surgery performed to uncover healthy tooth structure and increase the amount of tooth for the crown to hold.)
Hindsight is 20/20 but it may have been less time consuming and less stressful financially and emotionally if #31 was extracted and replaced with an implant and subsequent crown. If the upper second molar present that is in proper position and good health I might opt to maintain the lower second molar. Whether that be with another crown for your #31 or replacing the entire tooth with an implant depends on a critical evaluation of the current state of your tooth and an answer to the question, why did two crowns fail in such a short time?
Perhaps a second opinion is warranted if you are not satisfied with your dentist’s explanation.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
I just had a crown come off. The tooth seems to have rotted out underneath the crown. I don’t WANT to go through all this suffering with crowns. What about dental implants. I know they are expensive, but they sure beat the options. …. or DO they???
Dear Red,
From what you describe of your tooth a dental implant might very well be the proper treatment.That said, while I am a big advocate for implant dentistry and have placed and restored innumerable implants, preserving natural teeth is always my first preference. Placing a crown on a broken tooth that is otherwise healthy(good bone support, healthy gums, adequate sound tooth structure present and even well performed root canal therapy) is proper, predictable and preferred treatment.
I am not sure why you have had such disappointing results with your past and present crowns. Good technique on the part of the treating dentist along with good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams, and a healthy diet should result in a restoration that should last MANY years. Implants might be proper treatment for some of your failing crowns, BUT I think that a proper evaluation of your current dental condition as well as a complete dental history including diet is the first needed before a final treatment decision is made. Speak to your dentist and get a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with his/her assessment.
Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin