What's the best treatment for a chipped molar with no nerve exposure and no pain?

Question

A side piece of one of my molars was chipped off today during dinner, there's no pain and no nerves are exposed, looking into nhs charges I can't afford a crown, so want to see if there are other treatments available

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Depending on where the chip is, you might be able to get a composite filling.  However if the chip on the cusp most likely you either need an onlay or a crown.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Depending on how broken tooth looks clinically, your bite, position of the breakage and what xrays shows, you might be able to have a small filling. Onlay might be another option. Just smoothing down the area as a pallative treatment, is the last option.When the tooth brakes like that a crown or an onlay is a best long term option for fixing the tooth.

Timothy C. Chang, DDS · Answer

If the chip is small, you are not feeling any pain, and no nerve is exposed, it is possible for a tooth-colored bonded composite filling to be placed to repair the chipped area.  However, depending on where the chip is located, how your bite looks, and what shows up on the x-ray of that tooth, the best long-term solution could possibly be a crown.  The potential problem with placing a filling in a chipped tooth that would be better served by a crown is that over time, the stresses of your bite and other forces on the tooth may cause the tooth the crack or chip even worse. A crown holds the tooth together a little better, and is more effective at preventing future cracks or chips versus a bonded composite filling.  I would definitely consult a dentist and have him or her look at it, and they can give you a better idea of what your options are.  A bonded composite filling may do the job, but you may be taking a risk of that tooth chipping or cracking even more down the road.Also, tThere is a reason your tooth chipped in the first place, and it could be due to a misaligned bite, grinding habits you may have, an existing large filling that weakened the remaining tooth structure, or some other reason.  I would try to pin down the cause of your tooth chipping and ask your dentist for ways to address the root cause of the chip, to prevent this from happening to the same tooth or other teeth.

Jeffrey Green, DDS · Answer

In many cases this can be restored with a composite restoration in one appointment.  The larger or deeper to the tissue the fracture went will affect the long term success of the restoration.  I have done these numerous times when a patient can't afford a crown or isn't mentally prepared to get their first crown.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

While a crown is most likely the best treatment, a bonded composite filling may suffice for now.  Doing nothing likely leads to further damage or even tooth loss, a bonded composite can restore function while anticipating a crown.  Some teeth take greater load/force than others, so a filling lifespan can vary.

What's the best treatment for a chipped molar with no nerve exposure and no pain?

Answers (5)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS