Help With teeth ...

[sc0tt]

I don't have very good teeth. Keep having bits of enamel chipping off and I just ate a something that has managed to break one of my teeth at the back.

I haven't been to a dentist in a long time as I am st scared of them.

What is the dentist likely to do to the broken tooth?

I don't think any nerve is damaged as it is just bloody sharp but some of the inside of what is broken is black. Help please.

Thanks

[Monty Python]

Probably put a filling it but without seeing how bad the damage is it's impossible to say for certain.

[sc0tt]

Monty Python said:

Probably put a filling it but without seeing how bad the damage is it's impossible to say for certain.

It is like the whole rear corner of the tooth has come off. Not sure if it needs a cap if there is such a thing.

[gavsdavs]

sc0tt said:

Monty Python said:

Probably put a filling it but without seeing how bad the damage is it's impossible to say for certain.

It is like the whole rear corner of the tooth has come off. Not sure if it needs a cap if there is such a thing.

It's called a crown and you don't really want to go that way - they're required when too much of the tooth is filled and it needs strength putting back in. BUT the porcelain they use is a) harder than teeth and can/will damage the opposing teeth and b) if the porcelain cracks it's sharp as hell and will need replacing at some cost.

You can have gold fillings which are softer than the porcelain crowns and a nicer material than the amalgm that they normally use for cheap fillings - so long as you put them in a non-visible place they're a good choice.

Try and work out why you're cracking teeth. Thought about wearing a gum shield at night ?
Is your dental hygeine generally good (twice a day, flossing, etc) ? Drinking lots of sugary drinks ?

Buying a dental insurance policy might be a good idea for discounts on treatment if you want to fix your teeth for the long term.

Have you had any gum disease, root fillings, extractions ?

[DocJock]

Impossible to predict without seeing the tooth in question.

Ignore the rubbish above and get down to your dentist.

[Piha]

To the OP,

I was in a similar situation as you up to about 18 months ago (I hadn't visited a dentist for 30+ years). I found a dentist that is very sensitive and understanding of my anxiety of all things dental. He described me as "a rabbit in the headlights" when I first visited his practise. He talked me through things and when it was time for my first session in the chair my dentist sedated me. I have had a lot of work since and now will politely decline sedation.

Sedation makes your first dentistry steps easy. My anxiety was all in my head and the difference my new teeth make to my confidence is unmeasurable. If you take the plunge you won't regret it. I wish you well.

[sc0tt]

Thank you guys.

I have Bupa Dental cover so have booked an appointment for Thursday.

Wish me luck. I am absolutely stting myself.

[MOBB]

I'm not a fan of dentists, but whenever I do have to go its always nowhere near as bad as I feared.

Things have moved on in recent years :-)

[br d]

Scott, yesterday.



Good luck with it, I'm sure it won't be as bad as you fear!

(Christ I really wish I hadn't Google Imaged "Bad teeth")