At my last checkup, I was told I had gum disease and I needed to get treatment. I thought I was going to get a job which had dental insurance but that fell through. Now I’m guessing I need to apply for my own personal insurance. However, in the meantime, my two bottom teeth feel loose and the gums are so low I can see underneath the normal tooth part. What do I do?
Parker
Dear Parker,
I am sorry the job you’d hoped for didn’t pan out. That is discouraging. I know you don’t have insurance right now, but it this is a serious situation. Once your gum disease progresses so far that the teeth are loose, it is too late to save them. You likely have more on the way.
Gum disease really only requires you to go to some extra cleanings and be very diligent with your home oral care. I wouldn’t wait until you have insurance. You need to get started right away or you’re likely to lose more teeth. Cleanings are a lot more affordable than tooth replacements. You will want to replace your teeth.
Tooth Replacement Options
The ideal tooth replacement is a dental implant. The more teeth you lose the more important implants become. When your teeth are gone, your body recognizes there are no longer any tooth roots in your jaw. In an effort to be as efficient with your body’s resources as possible, they resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use elsewhere in your body. This causes your jawbone to slowly shrink. A condition known as facial collapse.
Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. This signals to your brain that your teeth are still there and it leaves your jawbone intact. But, like I said, this doesn’t come inexpensively. You are much better off getting your gum disease dealt with. I’d see a periodontist as soon as possible.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. William Pumphrey.
