Will I need a Cap or Crown????

Question

2 days ago I had my second ever cavity filled and today part of my tooth broke. Now its all rigid and feeling a little sensitive. Why did this happen and how much should I expect to pay to have the dentist fix it?? Is he liable for any of this since I only had it filled a couple days ago??? Thanks.

No, I don't happen to have a tongue ring. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

JAIME,

DO YOU HAVE A TONGUE RING? THIS MAY HAVE BROKEN AS YOU BIT DOWN.
THE OTHER THING THAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED, IS THAT THE STUCTUURE OF THE TOOTH MAY HAVE BEEN MADE TOO SMALL WHEN PREPARED FOR THE FILLING.
TALK TO THE DENTIST FIRST BECAUSE THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED.
ANY TIME A TOOTH ISN'T DRILLED FOR A SECOND TIME, IT'S WEAKEND BECAUSE MORE TOOTH STRUCTURE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED.

Answer 2

Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years. First of all, the cavity may have cause the tooth structure to weaken and that is why it broke. Before you panic, call the dentist and make an appt. to have it fixed. You may NOT need a cap or crown (same thing) and just another filling that will repair the tooth and it will be fine. Often it is difficult to see small fracture lines in a tooth from a simple xray and it is easy to fix. Most dentists will re-do this for free, I do and please don't get upset. You may have bit down and crack the filling or it may have needed to be adjusted. Whatever, it is a solvable problem and do not get upset. If you have any other questions, please ask. M

Answer 3

Whenever cavities are cleaned out and filled, the tooth structure is weakened. Thankfully teeth are very strong and can continue to function well despite this trauma.
When the dentist removes the decay, he/she must make a rough judgment as to whether the remaining wall of tooth is strong enough to withstand chewing forces, or whether the weakened wall should also be removed. Mostly we try to be conservative and keep as much natural tooth as possible. In your case it seems perhaps he should've removed this weak part, but that's not a deliberate mistake for which he should be blamed or judged liable.
However, if you approach the dentist politely, it is quite likely he will fix it for free as a gesture of good will.
It is impossible for this forum to tell you whether a crown is indicated. My general rule of thumb is that 1 broken corner can be repaired with a larger filling, but after 2 corners are broken I suggest a crown.
PS: cracks like this cannot be detected on Xrays