Lynney,

No problem. Some dentists use a different tooth numbering system. I just asked to clarify which tooth it was

So it is a first molar and it is not root canaled.
Does it have a large filling or a crown on it?
Also refresh my memory.... is this tooth an upper or lower and on your left or right?

Bryanna

This is an upper tooth (root into the sinus cavity). Left side.
It had previously had a large filling and a hairline crack developed, so an inlay (overlay) has been put on - not a full crown.
Lynne

Lynne,

Thanks for clarifying. I sometimes forget all of the incidentals with each case and don't want to go back and re read everything.

I am wondering if the crack has deepened and/or gotten larger? If that were to occur, bacteria would initially encase the cracked portion of the tooth and that would cause inflammation on the gum as well as internally. Unfortunately this would lead to infection in the tooth. But it may be slowly developing.

It can be very difficult if not impossible to diagnose a cracked or fractured tooth unless the crack was blatantly visible or obvious on an x-ray. Has anyone mentioned this possibility to you?

Bryanna

Thanks Bryanna. No, no-one mentioned this possibility.... I was told that the tooth appeared healthy on the recent x-ray. Its difficult to know what to do for the best now.
Lynne

I just underwent the Caldwell-Luc and here's my take on it.
If you need it, don't research it or you'll chicken out. Other than that it's no big deal. It's painful so you'll get some nice drugs, and you'll have to take antibiotics.