Do I need inlay/onlay, crown, or root canal? (Photos)

Question

The lower portion of my molar broke off ehile I was eating a hard fruit. This tooth has a large filling put in when I was many years younger. The large filling is exposed to one side, while the other is still held and protected by the remain molar. One dentist said I merely need a crown. Another said an in/onlay, possibly a crown - only possible to tell once filling is entirely removed, only then can the tooth structure be assessed. I'm not sure whose opinion is more sound, if any!

Christian Yaste, DDS · Answer

Mayank444,For starters, great pictures. A current x-ray and photos always makes it easier to provide a diagnosis.  So, what most dentists do when they see a tooth like yours is jump to the conclusion that a certain type of dental restoration would be best and usually it is based upon several factors.  Their own clinical experience, and what they have been taught probably play the biggest part.  They may also base their recommendation on insurance information you have provided, or the newest gadget or piece of technology in their practice.  There are two very important things that should happen to you before you move forward with treatment.  The first is, to get the appropriate diagnosis for the tooth.  By that I mean also obtaining whatever symptoms you are currently experiencing with the tooth as well as clinical observations, and x-rays.  All of that information leads to a diagnosis.  The other thing that should happen is the dentist should find out what your expectations are of that tooth.  Do you expect to keep it forever?  Do you just want to patch it up for now?, Are you interested in taking more or less risk and pairing that with more or less cost at this point in time.  There are definitely more than one type of restoration for your tooth that would be clinically acceptable and fit into the standard of care.  But, some are more appropriate than others based on what you want the long term outcome to be. One of the questions you can ask a dentist if you are looking for the best treatment is, "How would you fix this if it was your spouses tooth?"  Most dentists would only put the best material and do the most predictable procedure on their loved ones.  Also, make sure to ask what kind of guarantee different options have.  Your dentist and you should be on the same team.  They should be a trusted advisor.  You should not feel like you are being "sold" on a certain type of treatment.  There are several other factors that may come into play as well.  My advice at this point might be to read the book my partner and I wrote on how dentistry has changed in the last 20 years and what you need to know in order to get the right type of dentistry for you.  You can find it in the link below.  It is currently available as a free download.  Later this summer we will have hard copies from our publisher and I would be happy to give you one.  (You can pick one up from our office as we are in Charlotte).  We would also be happy to see you in person, as we are always accepting new clients.Warm Regards,

Irma Gavaldon, DDS, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Mayank,
Until the fillings(Amalgam) is removed you won't know if it will need it will need a root canal. If it needs a root canal you will also need a post and core and a crown.If you don't need a root canal might need a crown or not.
Check that you get your root canal done by a specialist with a microscope. We have one of these in office.
Also has the latest cad/cam technology so you can get a good fit on your crowns. Maybe you could even get the crown the same day at my office we do this often. We charge $250 USD per Root Canal $150 USD Per Post and Core and $450 USD for the crown
So you can have that as a price refrence

Do I need inlay/onlay, crown, or root canal? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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.

Do I need inlay/onlay, crown, or root canal? (Photos)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

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.