Hi-

I had a horrible experience tonight. I was biting my nails and I broke a tooth! I really have no tooth issues- my teeth are straight and strong and I haven't had a cavity in ages. However, I have this one tooth that has always been a problem- it's the only one. I had two cavities in in high school. In college, I had to have a root canal in it and about three years ago, I chipped it. All of those were repaired but it has always just been a problem. I dunno- maybe it just never developed right or was lacking something. At any rate, it really broke this time. It's pretty much just the base (which is mortifying and I will not be leaving the house tomorrow!) Anyway, I know this tooth has been through a lot and I am not surprised that it failed. My question is, I am going to the dentist hoepfully monday to have it repaired (I think they do a crown for something like this? Not sure, I have never had one before). With local anesthetic and stuff, do I need to let the dentist know anything? 

Thanks and sorry if its a dumb question.
Holly

It's part of your medical hisotry and he should know.  There may be some longterm implications for the health of your teeth and if he does not know you full medical history, he may not be able to care for you as best as he could.

You should mention it to your dentist because if you are not getting enough calcium or other vitamins your teeth can be affected.  Your RNY isn't really relevant as far as dental anesthesia, though.

Just FYI, once you have a root canal on a tooth, the tooth will become increasingly brittle over time.  It usually becomes discolored as well, but that only shows if the tooth was not crowned (which they usually do on molars).

What they can do to the broken tooth will depend on how much of the tooth is left and the condition of what is left.  The dentist might be able to rebuild the tooth using a resin (or rebuild teh tooth and cap it), but if there is not enough left to build on, or the remaining portion of the tooth is cracked, you may need an implant or a bridge.

Lora

They also need to know if they are going to prescribe drugs. Remember no NSAIDS

 I usually tell any medical proffessional that I see that I have had rny surgery. Sometimes, it may be irrevelavent, but it's part of my medical history, and you never really know when they would need to know. 

Sorry about your tooth. I know mouth/teeth issues can be painful and get pretty expensive. 

There really is no such thing as a dumb question.  I am very glad you asked it because I would never have thought to tell my dentist, but it makes sense to tell all of your physicians.

Yes you should tell him/her about it. If they are nto aware of the NO NSAID rule then have them put it in your chart. My dentist and his staff know I am getting mine done and he was not aware of the no NSAID rule but it is now in my chart.

Thanks everyone. I have an appointment first thing tomorrow to have it taken care of and I will let him know.