May 2025 - Drake & Wallace Dentistry

I’ve not been to the dentist in years. Lately, my teeth have been falling out. Not just the top part you see but also the root, too. I’ve been putting them back in with crazy glue, but that is starting to hurt. I can’t go without teeth because I need to go out in public sometimes. I’ve tried just staying at home, but the loneliness is overwhelming. Do you have a recommendation for me? Is there any way to fix the teeth I have left?

Sunny

Dear Sunny,

I’m very glad you wrote. For teeth to start falling out in the way you are describing, it would mean that you have very advanced periodontitis (gum disease). Unfortunately, at this point, the remainder of your teeth are likely unsaveable, but you can certainly check. Natural tooth structure is always the best.

The reality is that they probably are not able to be saved. At this point you are looking at replacement. The ideal replacement is to get implant overdentures. These anchor dentures to prosthetic tooth roots placed into your jaw. However, your stage of gum disease means you will not have enough bone to retain the dental implants. This is why your teeth are falling out to begin with.

You will need to start with removable dentures. This will give you a smile that will help you feel comfortable going out in public. In the meantime, you can build back up the bone structure with a procedure called bone grafting. Once that is completed then you can get the dental implants you need for implant supported dentures.

You’ve got a tough road ahead, but I have confidence with the right dentist you can get a smile you are proud to share with the world again.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

I had a tooth that couldn’t be saved. I opted to get a dental implant to replace it, but I’m having a bit of trouble with things and we haven’t even got to the implant yet. I had the tooth extracted, which went fine. The dentist recommended I get a Maryland Bridge as a temporary tooth replacement. That is when the problems started. Since having it placed, it has fallen out three times. I’ve grown concerned. Should I switch dentists in the middle of this procedure? Is that even allowed?

Marcus

Dear Marcus,

Let’s start with the Maryland Bridge. I would not consider that a temporary tooth replacement. In order for the bonding to hold, the dentist has to do some tooth preparation, which means cutting a notch into the tooth. Anything that changes the structure of the tooth is not a temporary replacement. Once that is removed, the adjacent teeth will need dental bonding to fill in the space. The good news is, it sounds like your dentist may not have done that tooth preparation which is why yours is not staying in.

I am concerned about your dentist’s skill and understanding both about aesthetics and the dental implant procedure itself. Most implant dentists, with a lot of experience, would give you a true temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper. Not only will it not do any damage to a tooth, it is much less expensive.

More importantly, I’m concerned about his or her dental implant training and skills. Dental school enough is not enough. Your dentist will need post-doctoral training. These are one of the most advanced procedures a dentist can do. Unfortunately, it is not a recognized speciality, which means many unqualified dentists are doing dental implant procedures. It’s one of the leading causes of malpractice suits.
The big danger here is that if things go wrong it can be extremely serious, including permanent nerve damage, infection, and even loss of jaw structure.

You want someone who has the training and skill to do this properly. The best implant dentists are fellows with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). I would look for someone like that.

Can you switch in the middle of the procedure. Absolutely! In fact, your dentist is ethically obligated to provide the next dentist will all his diagnostic and treatment notes. You’re actually in the perfect place to switch, because the implants have not been placed yet. Tell your dentist you want a refund on the Maryland Bridge, if you’ve already paid for that. Get a dental flipper and then research some dentists in your area to find one with whom you can feel confident.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.
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Putting Teeth In With Crazy Glue

Should I Switch Dentists Mid Implant Procedure?

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