Being an occasional series in which a distinguished practitioner in the nation's automotive repair industry offers advice to members of the general public. Readers should note that their experience may be very different especially if they do not live in a leafy suburb with affluent neighbours.
As a distinguished practitioner in the nation's automotive repair industry I am often asked: what is a broken molar and how would I know if I have one? My answer is generally a deep sigh followed by "well, you're looking at a lot of money there".
To be more specific, a broken molar is generally caused by a collision or by the [sometimes cumulative] effects of repeated encounters with speed bumps, potholes or entitled cyclists claiming every element of the King's highway [road, cycle lane, pavement, verge etc etc]. Broken molars can even be sustained in the domestic environment - often through an unfortunate encounter between a hard object [eg a Nuttall's Minto] and an unstable molar - particularly where previous structural impairment has remained undetected. Such breakages are often classed as "impact damage" and should not be confused with "natural wear and tear" which takes place over several years rather than several seconds. In many cases complete replacement of the damaged molar is necessary.
Generally speaking, anyone suspecting they have a broken molar should contact an approved repair station within 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Broken molars rarely repair themselves and anyone unfortunate enough to sustain one is looking at a lengthy wait for diagnosis and/or treatment and a very large bill. Repairs are no longer available on the NMRS* and most customers will have to "go private".
* National Motor Repair Scheme
The situation is further complicated when the case involves those who have chosen to "go electric". Though purchasers of electric equipment are statistically no more likely to suffer from molar trouble than those who elect to stick with older technologies, insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to issue policies to known electric brushers, flossers, tossers and rinsers, since the cost of repairs is both uncertain and, more importantly, artifically inflated whenever a qualified engineer spots an "electric" customer. Electric customers are also likely to pay more "upfront" and wait longer - a situation which has been known to escalate into waiting room rage. If you are the owner of a super-electric molar, your treatment will be the same though you will be charged much faster.
I add only that obtaining a repair for a broken molar is something of a postcode lottery with some sufferers reporting the complete absence of NMRS practitioners in their area. Such customers are - to use a technical term - "f****d" - and should consider [a] seeking solutions abroad [Poland, Hungary and Turkey are popular destinations], [b] taking out a second mortgage, or [c] decomissioning their molars altogether.
Next time:
What is a broken femur and will I die in agony pending repair?
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