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Question:
Options for repairing chipped molar: I'm 40, good health, with generally good teeth.
I chipped off the distolingual cusp of upper 1st molar, not to the gum line, when I bit something hard. I currently have amalgam fillings in buccal developmental and distolingual grooves, but they are fairly narrow.
My dentist wants to place a CEREC crown on it. I've read they last only 5-10 yrs. so I don't like the idea of grinding away a lot of tooth to replace it with much less durable stuff. He did not indicate the tooth was otherwise compromised.
I'd like to know if there are other options. E.g. would an onlay of CEREC or some other material allow me to preserve more of the existing tooth? Any kind of bonding? .. Visitor from CO
Answer:
Without seeing the tooth, x-rays and photos I can only give you options. You can discuss these with your dentist.
Losing a major cusp is a symptom of a biting problem. You need to evaluate the extent of the fracture, not just the piece that broke. There may be a fracture line that radiates into the tooth.
If you have extensive fracture lines in the tooth or are experiencing pain to chewing, you may need a crown or an onlay to replace the missing tooth structure and provide a splinted cover for the
remaining tooth.
Bonding a CEREC may be a conservative tooth colored option and can be done without shaving the entire tooth down. You can place a filling-bonded composite and it may provide you with 3-7 years of service.
If the tooth is filled conservatively with small thin silver filling then a crown may be overkill. Again, depends on your bite, the opposing dentition and contact in function. Ask your dentist-they should be able to address your concerns. Otherwise go for a second opinion.
Wisconsin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
Richard Winter, DDS MAGD
Winter Dental Associates
5323 W. Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee Wisconsin WI 53218
(414) 464-9021
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