Question about my filling...

[USAF_Dentman]

About 6-7 years ago i had a cavity on the top of the second bottom tooth from the back. It was drilled out and then filled with porcelain. A few days ago i was eating lunch and all of a sudden i bit down and i think the filling came out. So now you can see the divot where the filling should be. The decayed material was completely removed, however.

So my question is, do i need to get this refilled right away or is it just for cosmetic reasons?

Thanks.

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[J2AZ]

You will want to have it refilled b/c now the dentin (softer portion of the tooth) is exposed.

 

[toofache32]

Right away. Just because the decay was removed 7 years ago doesn't mean there can't be more now. That's a really common reason why restorations fall out. If you leave it open now, you're sure to get more decay and your filling will turn into a crown, a root canal, or eventually extraction.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Right away. Just because the decay was removed 7 years ago doesn't mean there can't be more now. That's a really common reason why restorations fall out. If you leave it open now, you're sure to get more decay and your filling will turn into a crown, a root canal, or eventually extraction.

I have an appointment in a month and a half, is that too llong to wait?

 

[Sterichind69]

I have an appointment in a month and a half, is that too llong to wait?

If you really can't get to a dentist for a 1 1/2 months then maybe you can get temporary filling placed with intermediate restorative material. With either IRM from a drug store shelf or a dentist you'll at least block off the bacteria from more food in the prep and soothe the open dentinal tubules containing the nerve of the tooth. Just make sure you clean and dry out the prep before you place the temp filling. BUT DEFINITELY SEE A DENTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This whole situation even with a temp filling could cost you the tooth.

 

[aphistis]

If you really can't get to a dentist for a 1 1/2 months then maybe you can get temporary filling placed with intermediate restorative material. With either IRM from a drug store shelf or a dentist you'll at least block off the bacteria from more food in the prep and soothe the open dentinal tubules containing the nerve of the tooth. Just make sure you clean and dry out the prep before you place the temp filling. BUT DEFINITELY SEE A DENTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This whole situation even with a temp filling could cost you the tooth.

Sounds great...except, how do you propose this person even get their hands on some IRM (much less create a DIY temporary) without visiting a dentist (in which case the question is moot anyway)?

 

[Sterichind69]

Sounds great...except, how do you propose this person even get their hands on some IRM (much less create a DIY temporary) without visiting a dentist (in which case the question is moot anyway)?

If you go to any store from Genovese, Waldbaums, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, you can buy temporary filling over the counter. Just read the contents....they usually contain Zinc oxide and Eugenol with other substances. You may even find one with calcium hydroxide like Dycal. A brand I usually see in the supermarket is Temparin. Read the directions and dry the site with a cotton roll.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Yeah, i'm going to a different dentist next week because my regular dentist cant get me in (insurance only covers my regular dentist, part of some weird plan at my parents' work). So i'll have to pay out of pocket.

How much does a porcelain filling vs. amalgam filling cost?

 

[aphistis]

Yeah, i'm going to a different dentist next week because my regular dentist cant get me in (insurance only covers my regular dentist, part of some weird plan at my parents' work). So i'll have to pay out of pocket.

How much does a porcelain filling vs. amalgam filling cost?

Amalgam is the least expensive and typically the easiest to place, but it has a couple other problems like leakage over time. Resin fillings are more expensive and more difficult to place in the back of the mouth. Getting a porcelain onlay/crown is the most expensive and the most time-consuming (typically involves two appointments), but if it's done right will produce the best results.

Ask the dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of different restoration materials when you go for your appointment; s/he'll explain them to you, and probably appreciate the interest you're taking in your care.