The biting surface of each tooth plays an important role in working with the related teeth in your dentition to efficiently break down and process food before swallowing. If you grind your teeth at night without the protecting of a dental guard, the grinding force and clenching could cause a chip or fracture to occur on the biting surface.

This is even more likely to occur on a molar or premolar in the back of your mouth.

Even if the tooth doesn’t cause you any immediate sensitivity or discomfort you should still have it examined by a dentist like Dr. Rick Jackomis. Without timely treatment, the compromised area of tooth enamel can start to accumulate bacterial deposits fostering a new cavity to develop.

To effectively repair or restore a molar or premolar in this condition, Dr. Rick Jackomis might recommend using an inlay or onlay dental filling. They are typically created from gold or dental grade porcelain to replicate the original biting surface of a tooth. An only might be needed if damage or decay extends beyond the biting surface to compromise another surface of the tooth.

Once it has been cemented in place the dental filling will restore the natural function of molar or premolar for many years to come.

If you live in the Sterling, Virginia, area and you have a compromised molar or premolar, you should call 703-444-9244 to have it examined and repaired by the dental specialists at Rick Jackomis, DDS.