I Have a Front Tooth That I Chipped a While Back (A Little Less Than Half is Gone)? (photo)

Question

I've noticed it turning black and my breath smells awful , is there any way it can be saved ? It's black in the inside and the outside it looks grey but there's also a cavity on it ? Last time I seen a dentist he said a root canal would save the tooth but its been near two years . I'm also starting to feel a little sore ness , no pain just yet ?

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Looking at the photo there is obviously a lot of decay under the remaining tooth that you see, possibly below the gums and most likely already into the nerve area (pulp).  Your first order of business is go to your dentist and get an x-ray.  I am absolutely certain that the x-ray will show much more decay than you can imagine!  Then the real question remains, did you wait too long or is the tooth still savable?  If savable you will most likely need a root canal, core buildup, and a full crown restoration.  If not savable, extraction and either replacement with implant or fixed bridge.  Since your dentist advised the root canal two years ago, so much time and decay has undoubtedly gone on by now that I anticipate that the tooth is unsavable.

Ali Shojania, DDS · Answer

It could be saved with root canal, post and core, and crown; but from the look of it, it will not last you long. I would just pull it, and replace it with implant and future crown.

Arezoo Nasiry, DDS · Answer

I would agree with your dentist.  the caries looks deep and if you are already having soreness it may be the beginning of an infection.  Go see your dentist to see if it is till salvageable.  AT least get some medication for the infection/pain.

Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS (retired) · Answer

It is impossible to determine whether your tooth is salvageable without an x-ray . However from the photo , I can tel you Root canal is the minimum of what you need. the tooth is severely decayed. After the root canal a post and buildup is needed , and then a crown. Even then you have started with a compromised beginning, and you will get a guarded prognosis. The more you wait the harder and more costly the repair.  So please see your dentist ASAP.

	Good luck

I Have a Front Tooth That I Chipped a While Back (A Little Less Than Half is Gone)? (photo)

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I Have a Front Tooth That I Chipped a While Back (A Little Less Than Half is Gone)? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: What to do with broken tooth

Answer: What to do with broken tooth

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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