saving teeth Archives - Drake & Wallace Dentistry

Do I Really Need to Extract All Of My Teeth?

Posted on October 19, 2024 by writeradmin.

My dentist wants me to extract 17 of my teeth because of gum disease. The thing is, some of those teeth are fine and don’t even bother me. Will it be damaging to my health to leave those teeth? I don’t want to do something risky but I don’t necessarily want take out good teeth either.

David

Dear David,

Dentists vary in their willingness to save teeth. Some will give it a Herculean effort, while others would rather not bother. It sounds like your dentist is one of the ones who does not want to put forth a lot of effort. This does not mean that you have to extract them. It is perfectly safe for you to keep the healthy teeth. You may even be able to save some teeth that are in bad shape.

Unfortunately, given your dentist’s attitude, he won’t be the best dentist to help you with this. You’ll probably have to switch to a dentist who is willing to work hard on your teeth, but the work is worth it. One of the first things you will need to do is extract any teeth that are hopeless and cannot be saved. The reason for this is it will reduce the stress on your remaining teeth, giving them their best chance.

The next step will be to deal with your gum disease in order to prevent losing more teeth. That will require having a hygienist do a deep cleaning and periodontal maintenance every few months until your gums are back to a healthy state.

Then, you will want to replace any teeth that you do have extracted. There are removable partial dentures, but the best tooth replacements are dental implants. Your gum disease will need to be completely under control for those to work. Depending on how much bone you’ve lost because of the periodontal disease, you may also need some bone grafting done.

If you are willing to put in the effort, you can have a healthy, attractive smile. Just find a dentist who is willing to work hard alongside you.

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

Too Young for Partial Dentures

Posted on January 18, 2021 by writeradmin.

I have quite a few teeth that need work. Many are chipped. I know there are stains. I also have several teeth with cavities. I want to fix my teeth or at least find a permanent replacement for the ones that can’t be saved but all my dentist wants to do is extract them and put in partial dentures. I am only 32 years old, which too young for partial dentures. Do I have options?

Kimberly

Dear Kimberly,

While you have options, they may not be with this dentist. Every dentist is different. Some work hard to save teeth. Others just want to do the easy procedures and take the money. The one good thing you have going for you is your dentist didn’t try to do procedures he wasn’t comfortable with. When this happens, the results are usually an absolute disaster for the patient.

Your first order of business is to find a dentist who is willing to work with you. For your cavities, there are dental fillings and dental crowns (if the decay is too large for a filling). For chipped teeth, there is dental bonding, but that does take a dentist comfortable with cosmetic procedures.

As for teeth that can’t be saved. Your best solution is a dental implant. These are permanent tooth replacements and are much better than any type of denture. Like cosmetic procedures, however, it is important you find a dentist who has invested in post-doctoral training in these type of procedures. Neither of them are recognized specialties, so it is up to the dentist how much training they get in them.

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

Should I Save Two Upper Teeth?

Posted on September 19, 2020 by writeradmin.

I only have two upper teeth left and most of my bottom teeth. I can eat most things unless it is meat. If I have that or I am going out with friends to socialize, I wear my upper partial dentures. I don’t really like them and I find it difficult to talk when they are in. Plus, they are quite bulky. I’ve had one dentist tell me I would be happier in complete dentures. I decided to get a second opinion because I have always heard it is better to save as many teeth as possible. The other dentist said it won’t matter either way. So, is there a reason not to do this?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Bear in mind that I haven’t examined you. I’m going strictly off of the information given above. It would be much better if I had x-rays to look at. But, here is some general information.

In most cases, it is better to retain as many teeth as possible. However, your situation is a bit unique. You are relying on those two remaining teeth for most of your chewing. That is going to put additional stress on those remaining teeth.

Most of the time when dentists are concerned with removable dentures, it is the lower dentures that are the most concerning. This is because of the dangers of facial collapse. When you lose your teeth, your body begins resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. It does this in an effort to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources.

On your lower jaw, this will eventually make it impossible for you to keep your dentures in because they are retained by resting on that jawbone. Once it is gone, there is nothing for them to rest on. Your upper dentures are held in by suction, which makes it less of an issue.

I think you would be better served with an upper denture. The appliance will look more attractive, be more comfortable, and you’ll find it easier to chew than what you’re experiencing with the partial.

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