Not sure if I have cracked my tooth

[AB8219]

Hi Everyone, wondered if there were any Dentists or those in the know around tonight.

Today, I put some chewing gum in my mouth, the normal tablet type, and it landed lengthways between my back molars on the left. As I bit down, I heard a crack. Not a particularly loud crack, but a crack nonetheless.

No pain.

Since then, I would say that I can feel a very slight pressure in the tooth, but I wouldn't describe it as painful. If I don't think about it, it's certainly not that apparent.

Mrs AB8219 says the crack itself doesn't look particularly 'fresh', and that maybe it's been there a while and I just disturbed it?

Here's a pic, hopefully my teeth aren't too awful.





Now of course I appreciate, only a dental exam by a professional with give me an accurate assessment, but I'm not currently registered anywhere, and until I am, wanted to see if anyone on here could give me any advice.

ETA - I have eaten normally, no increased sensation, and I have had both hot and cold drinks, no increased sensation.

Edited by AB8219 on Tuesday 28th July 22:43

[Driller]

First of all that's a wisdom tooth so whatever the result is, you're not losing much.

It looks to me (as much as I can see in a photo!) as though this tooth has suffered erosion which gives it that scooped out look. I can see what you mean when you say it looks fractured but I have never seen a tooth fracture in this direction.

I have seen many teeth fractured in half but it is always from front to back IYSWIM not from cheek to palate/tongue.

If it doesn't hurt when you bite on it and nothing is wonky or hanging off, you're probably ok. The crack noise may have just been a tiny bit of enamel coming off which is quite common.

You should of course see your friendly neighbourhood dentist to get it checked out though .

[ikarl]

Alternatively, have you seen Cast Away? the bit with the ice-skate?.... Yup, may as well just get on with it.

[AB8219]

Driller said:

First of all that's a wisdom tooth so whatever the result is, you're not losing much.

It looks to me (as much as I can see in a photo!) as though this tooth has suffered erosion which gives it that scooped out look. I can see what you mean when you say it looks fractured but I have never seen a tooth fracture in this direction.

I have seen many teeth fractured in half but it is always from front to back IYSWIM not from cheek to palate/tongue.

If it doesn't hurt when you bite on it and nothing is wonky or hanging off, you're probably ok. The crack noise may have just been a tiny bit of enamel coming off which is quite common.

You should of course see your friendly neighbourhood dentist to get it checked out though .

Thanks very much for taking the time to have a look, and I appreciate you can only tell so much from the photo. I'll upload the photo without the red circle also as the tooth next to it is a bit strange also and could be the missing enamel you mentioned.

Still no pain, I think the fact I am so focused on the area is causing more of a sensation than the actual tooth!

I will register with a dentist as soon as possible and get a check up, I'm certainly due one.

[Driller]

No worries and BTW I forgot to say that it looks like you could have some decay around a filling (or is it a stain, can't tell in the photo...) in the tooth just in front of the wisdom ie second molar.

[DocJock]

Aye, that white mark looks a bit like marginal failure.

[AB8219]

Thanks again, much appreciated and has certainly put my mind at rest.

It's probably a stain, but I'll get it checked out. I'm still pain free and feel comfortable now that I haven't done any major damage.

Not many places you can get advice and professional opinions so quickly so thank you again.

[spydersingh]

On a side note, do you grind your teeth?

[AB8219]

spydersingh said:

On a side note, do you grind your teeth?

A little, but not aware of it I would say.