RCT Tooth Chipped

[SeagullFTB]

Hi,

I had a lower molar root canalled about three years ago, but the dentist only put in an inlay rather than a crown. The tooth hasn't caused any problems since, until today, where I felt a tiny bit of pain when biting down on food. It was kind of a pressure type pain, not a sensitivity feeling. This caused me to inspect the tooth as I am get quite anxious over these things. I noticed that the tooth has a small chip on top (the tooth part, not the inlay part). It isn't rough (I can't feel it with my tongue) and might have been there a while, but I only just noticed. I've tried to take a picture as best as possible, but it's not an easy place to get a clear picture of.

Is this a cause of concern? I hate the dentist and to be honest, can't afford to have any treatment right now. I expect the tooth to be extracted eventually as it isn't in a good way overall.

 

[Gordon]

From that photo it just looks like a piece of enamel has flaked off, nothing really to get worked up about.

 

[SeagullFTB]

Thank you.

That particular tooth still feels a weird pressure feeling when I bite down on food. It isn't an overwhelming pain, just a slight discomfort.

I suffer from gum disease and the gum around that tooth bleeds a lot when a brush, but I've always presumed it was due to the tooth being dead and not in a great shape. I also noticed I woke up the other night with a sore lower jaw on that side. When I'm stressed about something, I have a habit of clenching my teeth during my sleep, so I presume that's what I was doing. Could this explain the weird feeling in/around this tooth? And hopefully it'll pass in a few days.

 

[Gordon]

I suffer from gum disease and the gum around that tooth bleeds a lot when a brush, but I've always presumed it was due to the tooth being dead and not in a great shape.

No, it doesn't work like that. It's down to poor plaque control. See if you can get a TePe brush in between the teeth and spend a bit longer cleaning the area.

I also noticed I woke up the other night with a sore lower jaw on that side. When I'm stressed about something, I have a habit of clenching my teeth during my sleep, so I presume that's what I was doing. Could this explain the weird feeling in/around this tooth?

That would absolutely do it.