Broken rear molar tooth?

Question

I broke a filling on one of my back molar tooth and went to see the dentist. The new hole in it not big enough for a filling to be cemented in. (I though it would require a crown) but the dentist told me that its ok as it it.

I told her that I thought it would require a crown, she simply said yes, but at the moment you don't need it, its in good shape and then went on to say that one day something will happen and you will feel a little pain, then that happen come back and then get it fixed.

Was she correct in saying this?

Answer 1

Some dentists would love to charge you for treatment you don't need.  If your dentist says it is ok, either believe her to be a fair dentist or go get another opinion.  

Answer 2

I would see another dentist. Leaving a hole in your tooth is an open invitation for bacteria to come on in and have a party.I personally would not wait until I had pain. Then that means you may need additional work.

Seems odd that a dentist would tell you to wait until you had pain.....

Answer 3

Has this dentist done other work on you, have you been happy with the office and the procedures that were done....if so I would trust what she has suggested (a conservative approach, filling it first)

Many dentists try to do a filling if there is enough natural tooth left to support it....If the tooth is too broken down, then a crown would be the better choice.

Obviously you are on the edge of this decision and either way would be ok...and she is going the conservative route.

I have had VERY large fillings (silver amalgam) last for 25 years

Listen to the dentist.....you'll be fine.