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 BDS
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

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This post was published on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 1:08 amand is filed under Dr Caplan's Answers, Experts Answers, Q. Broken teeth, Q. Cosmetic Bonding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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