Fifteen years ago I had a tooth filled and then some sort of covering put on it, I don't know if it was a cap or crown or what. It was sort of a translucent whitish coating, maybe porcelain? The tooth was the molar next the on that's next to the wisdom tooth, if that helps.
Anyway, a couple weeks ago I notice a rough edge on it with my tongue, and when I looked at it, that coating was gone and there appears to be a small chip on the edge of the tooth. I tried to see my dentist and the soonest I can get in is Jan 2! It doesn't really hurt so I don't know if there's a cavity or not. My question is, how badly can it rot in a month, since the last thing I want is to have to have a root canal, and also, have any of you ever used that temporary filling stuff ou can by at the pharmacy? Would that be a good idea or would it just trap bacteria inside? Any help appreciated!
2006-12-01 07:03:26 · 4 answers · asked by lillith6662000 3 in Health ➔ Dental
Your best bet is to keep it clean (like a wound) and dress it. I have used white wax crayons in the past.
I melt the wax and when it is still pliable, but cool to the touch, I work it into the hole as a temporary filling. This worked really well and whan I mentioned it to my dentist he was impressed.
The wax is edible and non toxic, creates a barrier for food and bacteria don't seem to like it very much.
It is a temporary fix because you may have to repeat it a couple of times (Or more) while you wait for your appointment.
Be sure you keep it clean and if you feel the harsh scrape of the tooth, refill. Also, buy some mouthwash in a 'purse size' container and keep it in your car when your out. This is great if you work (and lunch) 'out of your home' everyday.
2006-12-01 07:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by shemida1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In regards to your question. I have 3 porcelain crowns on my molars and on all three teeth I had to have root canals done first. Porcelain crowns are a bit more expensive and are very easy to crack or break.You will know very quickly if you have had a root canal done on that tooth, being an exposed nerve and all.. Ive recently had a root canal done on a tooth and I haven't had the build on the tooth before the porcelain crown can be applied and my tooth is deteriorating quickly because the nerve (root) has been taken out. I have never heard of any temporary filling applications that is out there. I hope this has helped you some!
2006-12-01 07:41:12 · answer #2 · answered by sherrylynntex 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chipped teeth are not all that unusual and as long as the chip is just on the surface there is no real danger of serious decay occurring in just a few weeks, particularly if you brush your teeth regularly. It's good to be concerned about it and get it taken care of, but it is not an emergency and an appointment in early January should be fine.
2006-12-01 07:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mark H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEAL IN THIS FILLING AT THIS POINT WITH ANY BACTERIA AND FURTHER AGGRAVATE THIS SITUATION.ONE MONTH WILL NOT MAKE ANY BIG CHANGE, BUT 1 YEAR MIGHT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE IN PAIN.
2006-12-01 07:21:06 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋