Can you help me, maybe give me some options? I’m so upset I’m shaking. I haven’t been to a dentist before. My parents never had the money to take me. They tried. It just seemed like everytime they’d saved up enough something would happen, like a car breaking down, etc. I don’t hold it against them. They really tried. Then I went on to college, but I had to put myself through for most of it. I received a scholarship, but it didn’t cover housing or food, so I worked. I didn’t have enough to go to the dentist while I was trying to get through school. Now I’ve graduated and am working. I had a toothache and went to a dentist. I told them I had a toothache and they agreed to see me that week. When I told him I’d never been to a dentist before he said I’d need a whole exam. I was a little worried about cost, but had to do something about that tooth. It was killing me. He did the full exam then told me I had to have all my teeth removed. I started to cry. I’m only 24. The idea of dentures is horrifying. He snapped at me and said what did I expect when I didn’t bother going to the dentist my entire life. Is that what I’m doomed to? He pressured me to get them all taken out right then, but I couldn’t bear the thought. I just let him take out the one that hurt so much. Thankfully, it’s toward the back and isn’t visible.
Kerry T.
Dear Kerry,
First, I need to express that I’m horrified at the way you were treated. If all dentists behaved like the one you happened to see, hardly anyone would go. I don’t know what your financial situation is at the moment, but hopefully, you have enough to get some form of dental insurance. You can likely get some for about $20-$30 per month. This will help you get through whatever treatment you actually need.
I say “actually” because I’m sure you have at least some teeth which can be saved. If not, you would have noticed some loose teeth and be in more pain than just that one tooth. First, I’d like you to get a second opinion. There are some dentists who will even give you a free second opinion. Find out what teeth can be saved. That’s the focus—keeping as many natural teeth as you can, as well as keeping you out of dentures.
If You Lose Teeth Do You Have to Get Dentures?
You’ve lost one tooth. You will want to replace that tooth for two reasons. !. Your other teeth will begin to shift and mess up your bite a bit. 2. When you don’t have opposing teeth. The tooth on the other arch opposite of the empty spot will start to grow to try to meet it.
The ideal tooth replacement is a dental implant. But I’ll tell you up front it is expensive. It may be something you need to save up for. In the meantime, you’ll want a more affordable solution. You may consider a removable partial denture or even a dental flipper temporarily.
If the worst case scenario is true and you do need all your teeth removed, dentures aren’t a good option for someone so young. You’ll begin losing jawbone and eventually won’t have enough left to even support a denture.
Instead, you’ll want to get implant supported dentures. This will allow some dental implants to be placed at various intervals and anchor the denture to your jaw. That will preserve your bone as well as give you a better quality of life with your replacement teeth. Obviously, the more implants the better, but you can start with fewer.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Steven Collins.