One of my right lower molars has a filling in it. The tooth cracked last Friday, but my dentist’s office is closed on Friday. I found an appointment with another dentist to look at it and see if anything needed to be done to save it. The dentist said it didn’t look like I would lose it, so I followed up with my dentist on Monday. My dentist then referred me to an endodontist who suggested that I get the filling replaced with a crown. My dentist wanted the endodontist to remove the filling to see the depth of the crack. When I returned to my dentist, he tried to mend the crack. Now the tooth is very sensitive. My dentist does not want to put a crown over the tooth. I suggested that he refer me to another endodontist. My dentist seems a little clueless, but maybe because he is young and in a big practice. Anyway, should I go with a crown or see another specialist? – Thank you. Clay from MS

 

Clay,

Dr. Perry would need to examine and x-ray your tooth for an accurate diagnosis. Cracks in teeth can be tricky, but we will provide some insight. You were wise to see a dentist right away to ensure your tooth was stable enough to see your regular dentist.

Types of Cracks in Teeth

Cracks in teeth have varying degrees of severity. But cracks differ from fractures. When tooth pieces move independently, the tooth is fractured.

Types of tooth cracks

• Superficial crack in the enamel
• Deep crack beneath the enamel
• Crack into the tooth pulp
• And tooth cracks can vary in location and can be vertical or horizontal.

Restoring a Cracked Tooth

There are different ways to protect your tooth depending on the extent of the crack. But if your tooth is sensitive, it may be infected. Your dentist or an endodontist will need to determine if root canal treatment is required.

• Porcelain onlay – An onlay is a custom-made restoration that covers a portion of a tooth. If you have a horizontal crack on just one cusp, or peak, of your tooth, an onlay can cover it. But an onlay is not strong enough to stabilize a vertical crack.
• Gold onlay – Gold is durable, and a gold onlay can cover the entire chewing surface of a tooth to protect it.
• Dental crown – It will cover and protect the entire tooth.

 

Consider Getting a Second Opinion

Your dentist and the endodontist disagree on which treatment is best for your tooth. Consider getting a second opinion from another dentist. You can also ask your dentist for a referral to another endodontist for a second opinion.

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.