Molar Broken at the Gumline
Dr. Hall:
Is there any way to restore a molar which has been broken at the gum
line other than extraction and implant or bridge?
—Lucie from
California
Lucie:
If a molar is broken at the gumline, the dentist can always do a
root canal treatment,
put dental posts in and do a dental crown without having to
resort to a tooth extraction. Unless there is
something else wrong with it. Maybe there is a crack or something else. If
you're suspicious that your dentist is too eager to extract it, ask for a
second opinion somewhere. Different dentists have different attitudes
about extracting teeth. There are many who seem to give up on a tooth too
easily, but others will try hard to save them.
A molar broken at the gumline is easier to restore
than a front tooth, because there are several roots to the molar, and the
dentist can put in a couple of posts at different angles, to help hold the
crown on. With a front tooth, it's more round and there are rotational
forces that work to dislodge the post. But sometimes even a front tooth
badly broken off can still be restored.
I hope this is helpful.
—Dr. Hall