Dental help: Crown fell off molar root canal.....8 years ago. (Photo)

Question

Looking for guidance here, not criticism...Im a 29 y/o male and I lost the crown off my 1st molar root canal about 8 years ago leaving a stump. Over the years, the stump started losing small pieces until nothing was left except a jagged tooth shard and some tooth chunks stuck in the gum. (See photo) I have never felt pain in the area. Im curious as to what my options are as far as what to do now and to know what could happen if I don't get this fixed soon. Thank you!

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

At this point, there is no way to save the tooth, so when you plan to do SOMETHING, it will start with extracting whatever remains. The choice at that point would be to bridge or place an implant. At your age, the best investment would be the implant.

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

Based off the picture alone, it appears the the roots of the molar are separated from each other and there is gingiva (gum tissue) growing between them.  If that is the case the only options is to have the tooth removed.  From there there are several options that may be available for replacing the lost tooth.  It would be best to be seen right away for evaluation because the longer you put this off the more risk you are of infection.  The infection could destroy the bone around the tooth (and possibly teeth surrounding) and cause replacement to be more difficult and expensive.  Replacement options (depending on the condition of the area) are implant, bridge, partial denture (different designs).

Dental help: Crown fell off molar root canal.....8 years ago. (Photo)

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Dental help: Crown fell off molar root canal.....8 years ago. (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.