Do I have a Fractured Molar?

[jgeo]

had roughly 3 silver fillings replaced with the white composite fillings about 1 month ago. In one molar in particular I had cold/hot sensitivity for about 2 weeks following the work that I had not had before the procedure. I called the dentist and she thought it may go away.

Those sensations went away but a few days ago while eating chips, I had a very painful sensation while chewing. Almost felt like I was putting my tongue on a 9 volt battery. Since then, I have had the same sensation while chewing. It seems like it may be a little better today compared to recent days.

I talked to a dentist that I play golf with and he said it sounds like I may have fractured a tooth. Talked with my dentist and she thought the same thing and suggested a possible crown, without even looking at my tooth. I do not recall any particular event other than when eating the chips and they were very light, not hard or anything like that.

Based on my symptoms, is it a fairly easy assumption that it is fractured, or could it be something else? Because I do not have any pain or discomfort other than when I chew, will I need a root canal? Is a crown the only option?

Is it possible that my dentist fractured my tooth during the repair work on my fillings? My dentist is trying to fit me in this week as I am leaving on Sunday for a week of job training!

 

[Gordon]

It certainly sounds like it's cracked, a crown isn't the only option but probably the best one. Depends where the crack is and how far it extends really whether or not endo will be needed. It doesn't really matter what you're eating, it's getting the "wrong" amount of force in the "wrong" direction that does it, just bad luck really.

 

[jgeo]

Well, I am going to the dentist today for the verdict. I have just read that it is very difficult to find a crack either visually or with x-ray. I hope I do not need a root canal as my dentist does not do those procedures, plus I am leaving town on Sunday for a week.

If it is just cracked and the decision is made to crown it. How do you know if there is no bacteria in the crack that can later decay and force a root canal?

 

[Sophie]

I had a root canal and the tooth is crowned but i eat hard candy all the time not smart i know but yesterday if i touched that molar with my tongue it felt like i was testing a 9 volt battery. which is weird right since i had a root canal. so last night so i could sleep i put a huge
amount of extra strength synsodine toothpast on the entire area and went to sleep woke up this morning and there is NO pain at all. I am going to the dentist tomorrow morning but
I am completely terrified of him lol I have been seeing this guy for 20 years you would think i would be ok but totally freaking. any opinions on whats up with the tooth?? I am thinking
I did fracture the underlying piece of tooth that is in my jaw.???