B
benito19
Junior member
- Joined
- May 5, 2009
- Messages
- 1
one of my lower front canines had a corner chip off 6 or 7 months ago, it was painful but as I have not been to a dentist for a cleaning in 6 years(I am 26 now) I have procrastinated, assuming that I need a multitude of other cavities tended to as well.
There was mild to moderate pain occuring randomly for a few months, which I treated when needed with topical pain gel. About 2 months ago the pain subsided completly(which I assumed was not a good sign, but again with the procrastination, and increased apprehension of a root canal) Today I ate a starburst, and afterwards I noticed a sharp edge on that tooth, upon inspection realizing that a large chunk of it is missing (I would say 1/3) and on the inside of the missing chunk there is a large amount of blackness.
My question is, if there is much decay/tooth death on the inside there, how much of the tooth must remain for a root canal/post to still be plausible? the canine tends to be a narrower tooth near the top to begin with. I hate to ask neurotic questions, just trying to discern if I should prepare myself to go to the dentist and hear that they must remove the tooth, and implant is my only viable option.
-- probably being overly paranoid, but then again I've been out of that dreadful seat for 6 years too long already. -- thank you in advance to anyone who might shed some light on this subject for me.
- Ben
There was mild to moderate pain occuring randomly for a few months, which I treated when needed with topical pain gel. About 2 months ago the pain subsided completly(which I assumed was not a good sign, but again with the procrastination, and increased apprehension of a root canal) Today I ate a starburst, and afterwards I noticed a sharp edge on that tooth, upon inspection realizing that a large chunk of it is missing (I would say 1/3) and on the inside of the missing chunk there is a large amount of blackness.
My question is, if there is much decay/tooth death on the inside there, how much of the tooth must remain for a root canal/post to still be plausible? the canine tends to be a narrower tooth near the top to begin with. I hate to ask neurotic questions, just trying to discern if I should prepare myself to go to the dentist and hear that they must remove the tooth, and implant is my only viable option.
-- probably being overly paranoid, but then again I've been out of that dreadful seat for 6 years too long already. -- thank you in advance to anyone who might shed some light on this subject for me.
- Ben