I am only 32 and I feel like my dentist doesn’t really care about my teeth. I have massive problems with them. It’s a genetic thing, I brush and floss daily, and limit my snacking to no more than once a day. I get cleanings and checkups every three months. My entire family is this way. We just have terrible teeth. The problem I am facing is that all my dentist wants to do is remove my teeth and give me removable partial dentures. I told him that I would really like something more permanent, but he says there is nothing else he can do for my teeth. I really keep hoping there is some new procedure he doesn’t know about that will help. Do you have any advice?
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
I can tell right away that this is not going to be the best dentist for you. Each dentist has a different level of work they are willing to put into a tooth before they give up. You sound like you need a dentist who is going to fight to the death to save as many of your teeth as possible.
As for the replacements for the teeth already lost, I agree with you that you need something permanent. Thirty-two is way to young to be dealing with dentures. Instead. I want to you find a dentist experienced in placing dental implants. These are done surgically but are permanent and stable. The implants serve as your tooth roots and then, after a period of time for both healing and osseointegration (the bone attaching to your implants) to take place, a restorative dental crown will be placed on top of the implant.
When your dentist said that was all he could do for you, he was probably telling the truth even though there are better procedures. Dental implants are not covered adequately in dental school. A dentist has to invest in post-doctoral training to learn how to do it well. He does not have that training, so don’t try to have him do the procedure for you. It will end in disaster. Instead, I want you to find a dentist with the training necessary and let them do the work.
Keep at that great dental hygiene you have going. I know with how difficult your teeth are it probably feels like it is not doing any good, but believe me it is. You would be in an even worse position without your diligence.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.