Grosse tooth question?

LolitaLove

I had to have an upper molar tooth out, after the filling I had in it fell out, and then the tooth got infected. I had the tooth removed about six months ago, and everything was fine. At first, for a few months, the gum area was smooth but I then started to notice a sharp thing in the gum area. At first I thought maybe it was a wisdon tooth coming through....but I now think it's just like bone or something. I know it's super grosse, but does anyone know is this normal? Should I go back to the dentist? My checkup is due soon but should I go urgently? Thanks in advance for advice xx

Saturnalia

Yes, little shards of bone or tooth root can work their way out a few weeks/months later. If it isn't causing you any pain I'd wait till your check-up and mention it then.

McKneff

Exactly, if its no problem to you just leave it, it will probably work its way out altogether, all on its own as it has been doing for 6 months.
I wouldnt worry about it.

Mely

I had the same thing happen. It was like a shard of tooth and i pulled it out,it didnt hurt and i had no problem after.

Toothsmith

I would agree with the others that this is probably what it is. But this is an internet forum and nobody can see you, and you have no idea who any of us are.

The bottom line should be that if you are concerned by it, then you should go and see the dentist. It's only when somebody professionally qualified can actually see it that you get an opinion that is of any use.

LolitaLove

I got one of those mirror things that dentists use and had a look...and it is in fact a tooth! It seems to be coming through faster one side than the other. Anyone know roughly how long they take to come through? I know that it's bound to be different but roughly, cos it's annoying.
Or, will the dentist file the tooth down for me? It's catching on the inside of my cheek. Thanks in advance for replies x

Toothsmith

It's impossible to say without seeing it.

So you think it's a wisdom tooth - it probably is. How long to get through? Probably a few weeks/months/years, it can be quite variable.What will the dentist do? Probably nothing.

LolitaLove

Toothsmith wrote: »

It's impossible to say without seeing it.

So you think it's a wisdom tooth - it probably is. How long to get through? Probably a few weeks/months/years, it can be quite variable.What will the dentist do? Probably nothing.

It is most definately a tooth, I can see it clearly...I couldn't before but with that special mirror on a long stick thing I can see it is clearly a tooth, 'fully formed' so to speak, can see the whole of the bottom of it . It's come through more now too so it's like a proper tooth rather than just a sticking out thing. It's not in the space where the other tooth was removed, but is quite close to it, so I'm guessing it couldn't grow through before because the other tooth was there. I have only had one set of back teeth too, so maybe it's an adult back tooth?
On the other side of my mouth, I just have regular back teeth and they kinda stop before the inside of my cheek...but on the side where I had the tooth removed the other tooth is growing really far back, right next to the inside of my cheek. I know you can't say for sure without seeing but as a denstist, do you file people's teeth down? I don't want to go to the dentist and look like an idiot, at least if you say it's possible to file it I'll know it's a viable option and won't look crazy :P

Toothsmith

From what's been described My best guess here is that behind the tooth you've had out, you've had an unerrupted (=not come through) wisdom tooth. This tooth was probably impacted (= Jammed up) against the tooth that you've now had out.

As that tooth isn't there anymore, the wisdom tooth can now come through.

If it's at an odd angle, then a couple of things might happen.

1. The forces in your mouth from your cheek and your tongue will combine to move the tooth into a better straighter position, and it will be OK

2. It will stay in an odd position and become really irritating, and your dentist will suggest that having this one out too is best.

As teeth are made up of layers, there's not really very much you can file off the enamel layer until you're into the dentine - which is a sensitive tissue, and a few mm under that is the live nerve of the tooth.

Although you can adjust the shape of a tooth very slightly, you can't whack great chunks of tooth off as if it were a horses hoof.

The questions you are asking are all quite legitimate sensible questions, but they will all be best,and most accurately answered by a dentist who can see your teeth.