Chipped bottom first molar

Joncol

Hi everyone,
I chipped my first bottom left first molar there tonight. No idea how I did it. The chip itself seems to be on the inside of the tooth and probably covers 30% of the surface area of it.


It doesn't hurt at all (thank god) so I'm just hoping the nerve isn't exposed.

Anyway my question is how long can I leave it before I go to the dentist and get it looked at? The obvious answer would be asap but unfortunately I can't afford it. I'm out of work and as desperate s it sounds will have to wait until my social welfare in 5 days time before I can go to the dentist.

Is it ok to leave it 5 days? Once again I know the best answer is asap but I do not have the money, 5 days is best I can do.

The one benefit I have is that I am currently wearing Essix retainer 24/7 so the tooth won't be exposed whilst I wait to see dentist.

Thanks for listening and any advice or tips are greatly welcomed.

Oral Surgeon

All depends on how deep it is really...

Is it a filled tooth- is tooth missing or part of a filling?

The exposed area, is it clean yellow/white tooth or dark soft decay or red pulp (unlikely)?

Is it sore with ice water on that area?

You don't need to get a full filling on it right now if you can't afford it, a simple bonded liner can seal the area for the meantime...

OS

Joncol

It seems to be more on the side of the tooth.

I've cleaned it and rinsed just there and it doesn't hurt so I'm praying the nerve isn't exposed.

The bad news is there is a small area that looks dark (dare I say it looks like decay). I never seen this before so obviously this is the inside of the tooth that has been exposed.

In terms of the simple bonder you speak of. Can that wait until Friday aswell? I know it sounds pathetic but I literally can't afford a consultation/examination until Friday?

As I say I have to wear an Essix retainer so I'm hoping that by protecting the area it will help against infection, although I completely understand that by leaving it until Friday does leave the risk of infection open. Again I just cant afford to see dentist until then.

Joncol

Just to wreck your head with another question (sorry) but will the chipped tooth effect how the essix retainer is retaining my teeth. It doesn't feel any different and certainly doesn't feel loose. Probably worrying about nothing on that score.

I looked the tooth there again and actually the chip is probably only about 15% - 20% max surface area of the tooth itself, not sure if that makes a difference in terms of can I wait 5 days. Thanks again

Oral Surgeon

You may be lucky alright....

You can get temp filling material in most chemists that you can smudge against the tooth to protect it somewhat... The fracture may not be very retentive for this type of temp filling so you may need to replace it often. Also wear the essix with some tooth paste loaded in that area, again it may help but no guarantees.....

Joncol

Do you think the tooth chip will impact on the essix retainer retaining my bottom arch?

kkth0360

Joncol wrote: »

Do you think the tooth chip will impact on the essix retainer retaining my bottom arch?

No, as long as it still fits on the other teeth it will work fine. However, it probably won't fit properly after you get the tooth restored / filled, so you might need to get a new one made (obviously this would need to be done ASAP so the teeth don't get a chance to move).

Make sure to bring the retainer when you go to see the dentist - he / she might be able to modify it so you can still wear it.

Joncol

Cheers was thinking that myself.

Hopefully won't need it as the chip from looking at it again is very small and shouldn't (fingers crossed) impact how it fits.

I'm hoping not anyway. Whatever about waiting 5 days to afford an appointment I defo can't afford another Essix retainer....

Thanks for your help