Can you advise me on what to do for my 86 year old mother? Two weeks ago, she lost a tooth. We had it replaced with a removable partial denture because she just does not have much money and my husband and I are in a tight spot financially ourselves. I can barely afford the gas to go check on her every few days, but she does insist on staying in her own home. She is able, so I don’t want to force the issue, I just do not have any extra money to help. Now, this morning, she called me in tears because another tooth has fallen out. She’s so embarrassed. She’s gone to the dentist regularly, so I am not sure why this is happening. I’m sure there is a lot wrong with her teeth but we don’t know what we can afford. Do you have any advice?
Lydia
Dear Lydia,
Your mother is in a tough spot. If I understand you correctly, you are saying that her teeth just randomly fall out. If that is the case, she has quite advanced periodontal disease. I am having a bit of a hard time understanding how her dentist let it get so far if she has been having regular dental appointments. I would start by recommending you find another dentist for her. Given her financial position, I would look for someone who specifically mentions on their website that they are an affordable dentist. They are much more likely to work with her financially, potentially even allowing payments.
If she were younger, it would be important she replaced her teeth with dental implants in order to preserve her jawbone. At your mother’s age, I do not think that will be as urgent. Instead, you have a couple of options.
The first is to remove all of her teeth in one go and get her complete dentures. Another is to use a Cu-Sil Partial Denture (pictured above). This allows holes for her natural teeth. As those are lost, it is a simple matter of popping another false tooth into the hole.
Best of luck to you and your mother.
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