I chipped a tiny part of the back of my molar. Will I need a filling or crown?

Question

I chipped off a tiny, tiny part off the back of the molar, so tiny that there's still tooth below the part that was chipped off. I'm feeling no pain but am going to the dentist anyway. As the back part chipped off it exposes the filling I have in that tooth, will the dentist just apply some more filling to it or will they decide to go full pelt and give me a crown despite the chip being so small?

Jepssy Beltre, DDS · Answer

Hi, thanks for write... If is a small part of tooth, with bonding filling you can do it, will look almost equally, but your dentist will make the decision if is filling or crown. Regards

Victoria Veytsman, DDS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  We're sorry to hear about your chipped tooth but happy to hear you've already made an appointment with your dentist to have it evaluated.  Your treatment could go either way - from simply adding filling material to you needing a crown or something in between.  If the chip is bigger than you think, your dentist may evaluate you to see if you are at risk of needing a root canal now or in the future.  This would be an extreme case, but if so you'll have a filling and then crown placed after the root canal is completed.  It's wonderful you're going to see your dentist sooner rather than later since a small chip could get larger if not treated.  We hope this helps and wish you all the best!

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

Without pictures or X-rays it is impossible to tell.  However, it could be simple smoothing of the tooth is all that's needed but it could require replacement of the filling or if the condition is worse than expected a crown.  You are doing the right thing in going to see your dentist, I am sure they will talk to you about what will be best.

Yocasta Caba, DDS · Answer

It all depends on the tooth’s location, and the type and extent of the injury it has suffered. Some of the procedures commonly used to restore chipped teeth include dental bonding, filings, and crowns. Root canal treatment may also be needed when the nerve in the tooth’s pulp is exposed. In this case, getting an immediate evaluation is important: Prompt care and appropriate treatment will give you the best chance of saving the tooth.

I chipped a tiny part of the back of my molar. Will I need a filling or crown?

Answers (4)

Answer: Filling or crown

Answer: Filling or crown

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I chipped a tiny part of the back of my molar. Will I need a filling or crown?

Answers (4)

Answer: Filling or crown

Answer: Filling or crown

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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