Large gap in back of tooth, what is it?

[Audpoet]

Back molar there is a ledge at very back of tooth that's pretty big. I can take my fingernail and poke inside of it and it's not bothered unless I mess with it. It feels like the tooth is hanging over the gum, and then a ledge. Never noticed it before or knew about it but I'm super paranoid and anxiety ridden since getting my first two root canals in the last few months (that I honestly think happened due to fillings). The tooth doesnt have anything to do with the root canals though. I have an appointment soon but I was told by an emergency dentist that the tooth looks fine on the xray and it's not from a cavity (wouldn't make sense either since it's literally back of tooth). No fillings have fallen out. It's only sensitive for a while after touching it.

If it is a tooth abfraction would a crown solve the issue? I wouldn't mind having the tooth pulled though just for peace of mind lol

 

[Dr M]

Do you perhaps have a photo of the tooth in question?

 

[Audpoet]

Do you perhaps have a photo of the tooth in question?

I do not mostly because you can't see the opening. It's the last Molar at back. I can only feel that there is an opening there. Normally the full tooth would be in the gums but with this it's like the tooth hangs over then at gumline is an opening. Fingernail hits solid when when it goes inside the opening.

 

[Dr M]

Almost sounds like you have a pocket formation in that area. Sometimes food gets stuck behind that molar and then it can lead to inflammation of the gums in that area or even gum loss if the inflammation is chronic.
But yes, difficult to say without a clinical examination. I would suggest go and have it checked out by your dentist.

 

[Audpoet]

Thank you. I'm interested to hear what they say. Don't think it's from a cavity so I think it's either an abfraction or what you had said. I really don't want to lose the tooth so I'm wondering if I should just get a crown on it. It's too big for a filling in my opinion and I don't want a root canal on a back molar.

Almost sounds like you have a pocket formation in that area. Sometimes food gets stuck behind that molar and then it can lead to inflammation of the gums in that area or even gum loss if the inflammation is chronic.
But yes, difficult to say without a clinical examination. I would suggest go and have it checked out by your dentist.

 

[Dr M]

The best option would be to see your dentist in person. It is not to say that you would need a crown or filling. If it is a gum issue only, then the gum just needs to be resected.

 

[Audpoet]

The best option would be to see your dentist in person. It is not to say that you would need a crown or filling. If it is a gum issue only, then the gum just needs to be resected.

I'm going tomorrow. Tooth seems uncomfortable lately and a bit painful. I have tried not to touch it etc. Guess we will find out. If it is infected then I guess loss of tooth. Won't know until I see what they say.