HYPOTHETICAL QUERY - DENTAL

dazza-mac

I'm currently whitening my teeth. When dentist took impressions for the trays I had a lower back molar that was broke but not painful and I shall be hopefully getting a crown once the whitening course is over.

Yesterday whilst brushing, more of the tooth/filling came away. The molar has already been root filled and frankly most of the visible tooth is made up of amalgam and white filling.

I have sensitive teeth. The broken tooth I assume has no nerve as it's root filled so I assume it can't hurt, although it feels slightly throbbing - but that could be me panicking. I can't get a temporary filling/repair because then the whitening tray won't fit as the tooth was already broken when impressions were taken so the mould was a snug fit.

2 questions:

1.  Should I still go to see a dentist if I can to maybe get some kind of coating over the broken part of the tooth as it's right down to gum level, or will it be ok to hang on if I can until my appointment in 3 weeks. Am I at risk of infection with the tooth being broken. Is there anything I can do at home to minimise this risk..?

2.  Is it safe to continue using the mould to whiten teeth. I don't put any solution (Boutique whitening) on the broken tooth anyway as that is hopefully going to be crowned. I'm just concerned that some solution from the next tooth could leak out. I did phone dentist but it was just the receptionist who said as it wasn't hurting and I wasn't whitening that tooth anyway 'it should be ok'. But I would appreciate some advice of a dentist if possible please.

Sorry for long winded post but I've tried to keep it as short as possible

Toothsmith

Seeking the advice of someone who can see/has seen the tooth is always better than asking random people on the Internet.

if you're whitening you teeth, then haven't you got some sort of review appointment in a week or two anyway?

Root fillings can fail if bacteria get back into the root filling. So if the covering filling or tooth has broken allowing saliva & plaque access the root canal, then it should be looked at and re sealed. Whilst not at 'emergency' - it should be looked at fairly promptly.