Traumatized tooth

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P T - 27 Jul 2005 14:43 GMT

Almost 3 years ago I fell and hit a front tooth. It chipped a little.
Furthermore, a bright light held behind the tooth reveals cracks. It
discolored a bit. It hurt significantly initially. I had it examined
at that time and was advised I would probably need a root canal
eventually. Now it still hurts a bit intermittantly, but the pain is
minor, and usually completely controlled by one otc Naproxen.

Six months ago my dentist did a test with an ice cube and got no
reaction from me, and she proclaimed the tooth dead and in need of root
canal. I had a communication problem with this dentist and will
probably seek future dental care at a different clinic. It's time for
my biannual exam, and I'm contemplating having this work done. Although
I will explore these issues with my new dentist, I thought I would ask
here:

What is the urgency level for a procedure on this tooth? It has not
bothered me (much) for over 2 years, so I have the impression this is an
elective decision. Am I wrong? Are bad things happening that I am
unaware of?

(I am somewhat reluctant to go forward with procedures on this tooth, as
I have had several crowns, and I believe that crown are never quite as
comfortable as the original teeth. And there is another issue too, which
I explore in a different thread here.)

Thanks.
Pete

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Dr Steve - 27 Jul 2005 15:12 GMT

"P T" <Petepenguin@webtv.net> wrote in message news:14534-42E78F92-

> Almost 3 years ago I fell and hit a front tooth. It chipped a little.
> Furthermore, a bright light held behind the tooth reveals cracks. It
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> What is the urgency level for a procedure on this tooth?

Impossible to tell from a Usenet forum. Might be a problem in 2 days, might
not act up for 2 more years.

>It has not bothered me (much) for over 2 years, so I have the impression
>this is >an elective decision. Am I wrong?

You are wrong, A dead pulp will eventually create serious problems. Your
history of pain makes it more urgent. If you wait too long, the RCT may be
too difficult to accomplish easily.

>Are bad things happening that I am unaware of?

Yes

> (I am somewhat reluctant to go forward with procedures on this tooth, as
> I have had several crowns, and I believe that crown are never quite as
> comfortable as the original teeth. And there is another issue too, which
> I explore in a different thread here.)

If there are no fillings on the tooth, and the treating dentist is able to
access the pulp chamber with a small opening (on the back side of the
tooth), then you could perhaps skip the crown altogether. I don't think a
crown will make this tooth any stronger, unless it has lots of fillings in
it already.

I hope this was helpful.

Signature

~+--~+--~+--~+--~+--
Stephen [What's a Temporary?], D.D.S.
Michigan, USA
....................................................

This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only.
Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on
the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you
in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect
your health.

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Tony Bad - 28 Jul 2005 13:58 GMT

> If there are no fillings on the tooth, and the treating dentist is able to
> access the pulp chamber with a small opening (on the back side of the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> I hope this was helpful.

I agree with what Steve says, especially this last part. At one time, the
common thought was that every tooth that had a root canal needed a post and
a crown. Although some dentists stick to this way of thinking, it really
isn't true...and a crown shouldn't be considered an automatic need. If tooth
is otherwise sound and whole, a crown may not be needed after the root canal
is completed.

T

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CWatters - 28 Jul 2005 16:57 GMT

The OP mentioned a chip as well so perhaps the dentist thinks he wants a
crown?

Pete - If you are happy with the chip then tell your dentist that and see
what he says.

Reply to this Message

W_B - 27 Jul 2005 17:02 GMT

>Almost 3 years ago I fell and hit a front tooth. It chipped a little.
>Furthermore, a bright light held behind the tooth reveals cracks. It
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>elective decision. Am I wrong? Are bad things happening that I am
>unaware of?

Could be but impossible for us to tell from here.
Get a second opinion, either from another GP or
an enedodontist.
To learn more about RCT check out:
www.aae.org

>(I am somewhat reluctant to go forward with procedures on this tooth, as
>I have had several crowns, and I believe that crown are never quite as
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>Thanks.
>Pete

--

W_B
Take out the G'RBAGE
wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com

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