Recently (today) I chipped the side of a lower molar (think that's what it is called) that is two teeth from back on the bottom left... This tooth has had one of those old school (gray/silver) fillings in it for about 15 years or so... The filling didn't chip, but the tooth on the outter edge did... To put this in perspective... Take a dime and draw a line around the inside of its radius... That line would be about how much tooth is left compared to (dime) filling as remainder... What is the likely scenario at the dentist?? I have no real pain (other then a bit of a sensation while drinking Rockstar energy drink)... PLEASE ADVISE

I have very bad teeth - runs in the family. Have had many fillings with the silver magma (If that 's what you call it. But, I'm sure that you know that I mean.) Fillings that have been about the same color of my teeth Caps over my two upper, front teeth that match the color of my teeth, etc.

Dentists will try to save the natural support system for your teeth, and that would be the roots, if at all possible, and of course the jaw bones. Especially if the root of the tooth is still in good shape.

There are many options available. Depends on how much you can spend. Grinding a tooth down and then placing a supported or unsupported cap on it with whatever hard material they use, or gold. Building up around the tooth with further filings.

What the dentists can do these days is incredible.

I'm not a dentist. But, I can suggest to you a possible scenario, and that would be your options depending on what you can pay.

By the way, the first caps that I had put on my two front teeth years as a child eventually broke. They did not have metal suppport in side of them They lasted about 25 years. At the time that I got them, I was advised not to eat anything with my front teeth. They were not supported. I now have caps that are supported inside of them. They are very hard and I have had no problems.

Anther thing is, that if I were you, I'd get it taken care of as soon as possible before any decay starts. Whenever we eat something that will break down the protective layer of our teeth, the decaying process starts immediately. So, if you want to avoid the drilling, please get it taken care of right away.

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Originally Posted by Clough

Anther thing is, that if I were you, I'd get it taken care of as soon as possible before any decay starts. Whenever we eat something that will break down the protective layer of our teeth, the decaying process starts immediately. So, if you want to avoid the drilling, please get it taken care of right away.

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The tooth is about 60-70% filling (back from 15 years ago or so)... It was about 30-40% tooth and now that the one piece chipped off, I'd say about 20-30% left of tooth... There is no real immediate pain or discomfort... I just can fill the edge with my tongue... I did notice a small unpleasant sensation when I drank a sugary drink earlier...

So you think I'll be getting a cap? I mean if I have a hard ol' filling in there is that what they would likely do? Or would they be crazy enough to drill out the old filling? There wouldn't be much tooth there if they did that...

Calling dentist tomorrow..

No use worrying until you see and talk to your dentist.

Believe me, Jeremy, I have many teeth in my mouth that are mostly composed of fillings. Roots are still good. I can still eat.

You may get a cap. Don't know. Depends on what your dentist advises.

I am glad that you are going to call your dentist tomorrow.

I would suggest that you stop fretting about it. We all need to face the dentist now and then. Painless procedures anymore.