Black on side of molar above and below the gum line

[smith26]

I have a vertical feature above the gum line on this no. 6 and black below the gum line. The gum has receded a little recently. Don't worry, I'm getting an appointment for a real exam but what might I expect is the problem? You can see a big composite filling in there. No root canal some mild pain when biting hard. It wasn't too bad a year ago.

 

[honestdoc]

There are a few unknowns. With your exam, they will take some x-rays to evaluate the bone levels and if there are gum and or pulpal disease present. They may also check gum attachments (probings). If bone looks solid with no evidence of disease, they may test the pulp of the tooth. The x-ray(s) may show internal features of the filling if it has decay and or defects.