Does this tooth need immediate work?

[TeamSAXON]

I haven't been to the dentist for about 2 years I think now because I am not on any scheme that covers visits or having work done. I was when I went to my last visit but now I am a legal adult I do not have any sort of insurance.
I've got a photo of the molar I'm worried about:



It doesn't hurt every day but I haven't had fissure seal done on it because my previous dentist said only the back two on the left and the back one on the right. I've also been experiencing on and off pain in both bottom back molars on both sides (three of them are the ones I said had fissure seal) but my wisdom teeth haven't come through properly either. The pain isn't excruciating it's just a bit annoying. My mum said I could be clenching or grinding my teeth in my sleep because I have anxiety. I'm unemployed and on youth allowance but that probably won't cover anything more than a check up.

This is a closer photo of the black line



I rang the dentist today about an appointment and they told me if I couldn't afford it I'd go on the free plan but the waiting list is 11 months. Unless it's urgent (how can they tell whether it's urgent if they haven't xrayed if it's an underlying problem? Unless you have teeth falling out..).

Anyway... 11 months is a pretty long wait when your problem could get worse over time. I don't really want to take that chance. I'm broke so I can't afford a whole lot of work done.. it's making me stress more because I don't have a job and like I said I have anxiety which makes job finding so hard. It's either wait 11 months or get health cover which I can't really afford any way..

 

[drhirst]

Hi,

First of all GREAT PHOTOS!!!
The tooth looks really healthy and I would be surprised if there was any problem under the black areas. I know it's annoying when it happens but your mum may actually be right here. Another potential cause could be acid erosion if you have been having frequent acidic foods or drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit of sour sweets.

Of course, it is not possible to be one hundred per cent sure from a photo alone. It might be worth paying for an examination. At least, that way, you will know what you are dealing with. Then you can decide whether it is OK to wait eleven months before treating it.

Best of luck

Lincoln

 

[TeamSAXON]

Hi,

First of all GREAT PHOTOS!!!
The tooth looks really healthy and I would be surprised if there was any problem under the black areas. I know it's annoying when it happens but your mum may actually be right here. Another potential cause could be acid erosion if you have been having frequent acidic foods or drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit of sour sweets.

Of course, it is not possible to be one hundred per cent sure from a photo alone. It might be worth paying for an examination. At least, that way, you will know what you are dealing with. Then you can decide whether it is OK to wait eleven months before treating it.

Best of luck

Lincoln

Haha thank you
I hadn't thought of that, so I could pay for a check up and if it's nothing then I could put myself on the waiting list in case something comes up in the future... I'll talk to my mum about it. But I'm definitely going to go sometime in the next few weeks because I'm worried about it anyway! Might have to get them to make up a mouth guard if I am grinding or clenching my teeth.