broken tooth refilled lasted for 18 years

Q. I’ve had a broken front tooth that has recently had to be re-filled. The first repair lasted about 18 years. 18 months ago I had to have it re-done and just recently it was done again but lasted under a week. I have been back today for it to be done again. I would like something more permanent and wonder what you would suggest is my best option. I look forward to hearing from you.

A. Dear J,

Thank you for your question. This is not an unusual story – a very successful restoration requiring replacement but failing very quickly following treatment.

I’m sure the dentist had done an excellent job and as such the question is why has it failed despite this. The likely cause is a change over a number of years of how your teeth bite and function together. Often the teeth opposing the fractured tooth have become uneven and produce a higher biting force right on the part of the restoration that had failed. A thorough assessment of your bite is needed prior to making any decisions on the type of restoration to be placed. Following adjustment of your bite a new restoration can be placed that is more likely to succeed.

The type of restoration that is required is usually dependant on the size, position of the restoration and aesthetic outcome that is desired. The usual treatment options are a white filling, a veneer or a crown for restorations ranging from small to large.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr Julian Caplan – Director on the board of the BACD View My Profile Dr Caplan
March 22nd, 2010 at 08:47 PM
Ahmad Suleiman Says :

Dr. A very good morning to you. Am very much happy to meet poeple like you all the time. Am wondering how you can help me and my wife. We both have a problem of finding it difficult to chew anything sugery with the left side of our teeth,but, when the sweetness reduced, we can chew with the side,and also find it painful any time we took a very cold or hot substance. And i had a refill a long time ago.

May 31st, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Kyleigh Says :

I have recently had a pre-molar tooth extracted – the tooth had previouslybeen root filled (twice) and I suffered from repeated infections. The toothdirectly behind it (the molar) is also root filled and may also need extracting. I am a healthy 31 year old and am keen to have 2 implants. What would be the cost implication and how soon after extraction can the proceedurebegin?

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