Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
Added: January 17, 2007 - 9:28 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Sunnyvale, CA
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Filling
Crown
Teeth: 17
Case Description
I have a broken/chipped off cusp/side of tooth for the bottom left rear-tooth. There is a big cavity that has been filled in that tooth and in the tooth next to it.
There is no pain while eating but there is black decay visible thru the broken cusp and also mild pain with hot/cold liquids.
Can this be repaired with a composite filling now instead of going for a root canal and full crown? I am worried about the pressure that the filling may put on the broken cusp causing problems.
Does that increase the risk of tooth fracture or other complications?
Is an onlay another option?
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Reply: Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
added: January 17, 2007 - 9:59 PM
Cost Estimate: $
No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Hi, thank you for your question. Sorry to hear about your fractured cusp. It is difficult to determine if a root canal would be needed at this time without a radiograph. Typically, any lingering pain upon hot or cold would indicate that a root canal is needed. Since you only have mild pain, you may be able to avoid it. A composite filling may be an option but since there is already a large hole with decay, the composite filling may not be the best option. By the time all the decay is removed, and if a root canal is not needed, it would probably be best to have a crown or partial crown or onlay. If you are interested, our office offers free consultation and/or 2nd opinions. Let me know if you are interested. Thank you. www.kiferparkdental.com
Reply: Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
added: January 17, 2007 - 10:05 PM
Cost Estimate: $
No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
It is difficult to say without reviewing x-rays and seeing how much decay there is to determine whether a root canal is needed or not. If there is an extensive loss of tooth structure, most likely you will need a crown. Why don''''t you come in and have me take a look via a free consultation? I look forward to meeting you and your dental healthcare needs. www.dentistrydefined.com
Reply: Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
added: January 18, 2007 - 3:32 AM
Cost Estimate: $$200-$2000 Depending on need for Root Canal
Hi. Depending on how far the cavity goes, it may be able to be restored without a root canal. Many times a tooth is sensitive to hot and cold, and if it doesn''''t linger for a minute or two, the pulp may NOT be exposed. If the pulp isn''''t exposed, you quite possibly wouldn''''t need a root canal. If a root canal isn''''t needed, many options for restoration are possible. If finances dictate, a large composit can be done, but you must be careful not to eat much on it. A large composit will weaken the tooth make it more likely to fracture. An only could also be done if the cusp is decayed or too much toothe structure is missing. If a lot of tooth structure is missing, a full crown should be done. All of this really depends on how much decay there is, and what the remaining tooth looks like.
Reply: Broken cusp - fix with composite filling or onlays or root canal + crown
added: January 20, 2007 - 8:34 AM
Cost Estimate: $100
It is understandable that you want to avoid major treatment that is both aggressive and expensive. The problem however is one that must receive adequate treatment. If, based on the findings using radiographs and other diagnstic means, the decay has extended to the nerve, a root canal therapy is indicated in order to provide a favorable long term prognosis for the tooth. The need for the restoration will be determined based on the amount of the tooth structure that remains after removal of the decayed parts. If the root canal is done, then the crown is an automatic in most cases. Whichever the case, I agree with the other dentists in that an examination is necessary to determine the extent of the problem and therefor the extend of the treatment. Exam and x-rays should cost less than $100 at which time the cost of the treatment can then be determined. I hope you find this information useful.
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