Okay, this is weird...

I have a pair of molars - bottom right, the two rearmost - which have been bothering me off and on for years. My dentist has repeatedly checked them, including with X-rays. There was no problem with the teeth, and the discomfort was always associated with a particular sinus being irritated. Indeed, the physician's assistant I saw for a sinus infection said that the arc of pain from cheekbone to those teeth was a marker for sinus infections. I figured this was just something I'd have to live with.

Tonight, as I ate some Cheetos I noticed a chunk of the rearmost tooth was missing.

I don't know when it broke or what happened to the piece. Since the remainder of the tooth has a very noticeable sharp edge presumably the break was just before I noticed it, and the piece was swallowed with the Cheetos. I never felt a thing.

I still don't. The tooth isn't sensitive, even to cold water. Which is a major improvement over what I feel when those teeth are acting up.

I'll call my dentist in the morning and get an appointment as soon as I can.

Addendum:

Got in to see the dentist at 11:00 this morning. They took an alginate cast to prepare a crown (temporary, if I heard right). I go back right after lunch. The dentin is exposed, but the filling is in place and the nerve still well covered.

Addendum 2:

Finally back. Temporary crown in place. Permanent is scheduled for the 31st.

No sign of decay. No sign of other damage to the tooth.