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It’s been six months and I still have no teeth!

Posted on by smiles4u.

About six months ago, I decided to try and do something about a couple of my lower front teeth that were loose. After doing some research, I decided that my best option was dental implants, but knew it was going to be very expensive. I started looking around for a doctor who could do affordable dental implants and when I came across an ad for a doctor a few miles away from where I lived, I was sure I had found the right person for the job. At my consultation, he priced everything out for me. He said I should go ahead and have the teeth pulled that day and that I needed bone beads to help with the healing (I had to pay for that because my insurance wouldn’t cover it). I went ahead with his recommendation and waited six months — with a toothless smile no less — to go back for the surgery. Much to my disappointment,  he told me that he couldn’t move forward until I had more procedures done – including bone grafting and gum treatment. Now I’m thinking it would have just been better to keep my teeth because I’m having to spend more and more money and I’m still toothless. I feel like my smile is ruined. What can I do? — Christina

 

Christina,
There’s several concerns here, but the biggest one would be that your dentist didn’t first address why you teeth were loose. If you had periodontal disease, you should have never been considered for implants until that was under control. I’m guess that is why he is now saying you need additional gum treatments.  Since the teeth are gone, there’s no way to know if they could have been saved.

The other treatments are probably necessary before moving on with the implant surgery to ensure they don’t fail. Get a second opinion to be sure you’re getting the right treatments. As far as going without teeth for six months, your dentist should have offered you a temporary solution – such as a flipper or partial denture. Either one would not only help with appearance and eating, but also prevent the other teeth from shifting into the open space. You could still get either one of these options now, so schedule a consult with another dentist to find out what they can do.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

How can I tell if I have gum disease?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How can I tell if I have gum disease? My gums are bleeding. Thanks. Thomas

Thomas – The best way to tell if you have gum disease is to see your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to make the determination.

Symptoms of gum disease

  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth
  • Inflamed or sore gums
  • Gums that are receding, or pulling away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • A change in your bite—the way your teeth fit together
  • An increase in the space between your teeth
  • A partial denture that no longer fits correctly

Inadequate brushing and flossing your teeth, genetics, certain illnesses, and certain medications can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular exams by your dentist and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease.

If you think you have gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist. Early detection makes it easier to control the gum disease and save your teeth. Teeth that are lost due to gum disease can be replaced with a dental bridge or dental implants.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Best way to fix two loosened teeth

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I was involved in a domestic dispute over the weekend, the day after THanksgiving, and a blow to my mouth caused my front two teeth to loosen. I don’t want to be taken advantage of with dental work that I don’t need. I will be making an appointment this week, but will you please tell me what is the proper treatment for my teeth? Vanessa

Vanessa – We are very sorry to hear about your incident and the damage that it did to your teeth.

If the roots of your teeth are not fractured, a dentist needs to bond your teeth into the correct position so the bone will heal. Your teeth should be fine after that. You will need a follow-up appointment with the dentist to ensure there is no nerve damage to your teeth.

A root canal treatment will be needed if you do have nerve damage. If the root canal treatment is needed, the dentist will ensure that crown of the tooth is free of cement. This prevents the tooth from darkening with time. If your tooth was in good condition prior to the damage, it’s unlikely that you need a porcelain crown, which will likely weaken the tooth.

Best wishes on the repair of your teeth.

This blog post is sponsored by Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.