topic Re: dental issues in Wellness

dental issues

151949 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:36:50 GMT

At what point is enough , enough? I only have a few teeth left that haven't had at least a filling, if not a root canal or more. I have 2 bridges and one of them needs replaced for another $2000. I have dental ins. but it won't cover this as the bridge is only a few years old.I have a lot of tenderness from my teeth, despite having so much expensive work done on them. At this point and at my age (66) I am beginning to feel I'd rather just have them removed than continue to have all this expensive and painful dental work all the time. I take very good care , brushing, flossing and gargling all to no avail. Flossing is how I cracked my bridge. Both my parents had dentures - I think I just have genetically bad teeth.

Re: dental issues

Kachina624 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 05:31:41 GMT

I had similar issues and my sister and I both inherited our parents bad teeth. About 4 years ago, I threw in the towel and had all my uppers pulled and replaced with a denture.

I have mixed feelings about it. It was very well made and fits without slipping or hurting but I've never gotten over the feeling there's something foreign in my mouth.

I spend days alone without seeing anyone and don't wear my denture when I'm alone, which may be part of the reason I've never fully adjusted to it. My sister continues to pour money into her dentist's pockets. I can't say I regret my decision; I just wish there was another alternative. I don't consider implants a practical solution either.

Re: dental issues

redhead65 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:38:43 GMT

I hear you ! It can get grossly expensive trying to keep your own teeth if you have problems early on or just run into bad luck.Insurance isn't a whole lot of help for some either and costs are rising.

(I spent the day in the dental chair this week so it's on my mind a great deal right now.)

I think your answer depends on your medical history and your personal suffering. They say it's always best to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, it can get to the point that you can "overfix" problem teeth and gums and pay a horrendous amount of money for teeth that you may one day have to have removed anyway. So the question becomes, do you want to go for it now, stop the major expenses and pain and suffering, or do you want your own teeth to hold out as long as possible?

Only you know what it will mean to you. I suggest you discuss the pros and cons with your dentist and perhaps even get a second opinion. It might be worth the money spent to get another professinal opinion.

Once you decide, move forward and don't look back ! Second guessing after the fact is never a good thing to do !

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Re: dental issues

drizzellla — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:58:36 GMT

Oh Ladies - I know what you mean. I am in the same boat. I got an implant several years ago everything was fine. Then my Dentist replaced the crown right above the implant. The crown must have been "off" a tiny bit. Because my implant became lose. And by being lose, the implant cracked the tooth next to it. The crack ran North South - and already had a filing. So I got the tooth pulled.

My Dentist was saying - Well you will need another implant - to replace the loose one and then an implant for the pulled tooth. He is just ratting off all these things I need. And I just see $$$$$$ that it will cost.

I had to take a break. I was having an appointment once a week for awhile and was sick and tired of all the money I was pouring into the Dentist and Specialist.

Still not sure what route I am going to take. But while I was taking a break from them - my implant is no longer loose. So I am glad I did not listen to my Dentist and get a new implant.

Re: dental issues

emmysmom — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:03:16 GMT

@151949 wrote:
At what point is enough , enough? I only have a few teeth left that haven't had at least a filling, if not a root canal or more. I have 2 bridges and one of them needs replaced for another $2000. I have dental ins. but it won't cover this as the bridge is only a few years old.I have a lot of tenderness from my teeth, despite having so much expensive work done on them. At this point and at my age (66) I am beginning to feel I'd rather just have them removed than continue to have all this expensive and painful dental work all the time. I take very good care , brushing, flossing and gargling all to no avail. Flossing is how I cracked my bridge. Both my parents had dentures - I think I just have genetically bad teeth.

Boy can I relate! I also have inherited problems! I asked my dentist the same..I think dentures are worth looking into. Its a money pit! He wants to charge me over $8000 to fix some fillings, a couple of crowns and add some bling,(veneers) as he called it! I don't have any dental insurance! Yeah, right!

Re: dental issues

June222 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 12:24:09 GMT

yes. I understand what you are saying.every time I go to the dentist, I need a crown or root canal or gum surgery etc even with good hygiene and regular cleanings. I think you need to decide what you can afford. Today's dentures are much better than those of yesteryear. With implants costing SO MUCH$$$$ and no guarantee that you will have issues with them, I think a good fitting denture is a good thing.

Re: dental issues

RedTop — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:50:34 GMT

This is a situation I too have thought about for years. Both of my parents got dentures in their early 20's, so my siblings and I did not inherit good teeth. I have tried to maintain my teeth, but have already decided I will not spend thousands of dollars for bridges, crowns, etc. When those become the suggested options, I will have my teeth pulled, and get full dentures. My dentist won't like it, but I think that is my best option. I have had 6 root canals to save 4 teeth that have gotten darker with time, have several big fillings, and all of my teeth are extremely sensitive. I hate having my teeth cleaned, or having any dental work done. My husband got a new set of good quality dentures made last year at a one day dental facility, and they are very nice looking teeth. I don't sit and wish for my teeth to go bad, but feel confident I have a good option available if I need it.

Re: dental issues

wonderfulworld — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:18:55 GMT

I understand your frustration and have at times felt your pain. I will add this to the discussion and you might want to try to research it.

Good studies have found a direct link between the number of good teeth (with blood supply and nerves) and mental acuity late in life. The theory is that teeth with nerves and blood supply feed necessary material into the brain. As a tooth is lost the rate of dementia later in life increases.

I will try to access the information and report back.

Just something to consider.

Re: dental issues

wonderfulworld — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:39:08 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
I understand your frustration and have at times felt your pain. I will add this to the discussion and you might want to try to research it.
Good studies have found a direct link between the number of good teeth (with blood supply and nerves) and mental acuity late in life. The theory is that teeth with nerves and blood supply feed necessary material into the brain. As a tooth is lost the rate of dementia later in life increases.
I will try to access the information and report back.
Just something to consider.

I googled 'tooth loss and dementia'..there is a wealth of discussion worthy of consideration. Might try heart disease too. I don't know which comes first, the chicken or the egg. I did read that if you have dentures it is important to wear them as that lowered the risk of dementia vs not wearing it.

Based upon what I have read about the impact of tooth loss on health in general, you might want to discuss this issue with your physician as well before making this decision.

Also, if you need alot of work done and it is expensive you might want to try the Dental School at a University near you if there is one available.

Re: dental issues

wonderfulworld — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:44:58 GMT

@emmysmom wrote:
@151949 wrote:
At what point is enough , enough? I only have a few teeth left that haven't had at least a filling, if not a root canal or more. I have 2 bridges and one of them needs replaced for another $2000. I have dental ins. but it won't cover this as the bridge is only a few years old.I have a lot of tenderness from my teeth, despite having so much expensive work done on them. At this point and at my age (66) I am beginning to feel I'd rather just have them removed than continue to have all this expensive and painful dental work all the time. I take very good care , brushing, flossing and gargling all to no avail. Flossing is how I cracked my bridge. Both my parents had dentures - I think I just have genetically bad teeth.
Boy can I relate! I also have inherited problems! I asked my dentist the same..I think dentures are worth looking into. Its a money pit! He wants to charge me over $8000 to fix some fillings, a couple of crowns and add some bling,(veneers) as he called it! I don't have any dental insurance! Yeah, right!

IMHO the 'old school' dentists who don't push all of this 'bling' such as veneers and tooth whitening products are the best. It is hard to trust one who tries to hard sell you on a lot of expensive veneers...fix the broken stuff first, I say!

Re: dental issues

Bird mama — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:31:00 GMT

My mom had bad teeth, pyorrhea and had dentures at 17 or 18 years of age. She lived to be 84 and swore that she would not want a full set of natural teeth if God gave them to her.

My dad fought to save his teeth - fillings, crowns partials. He ended up with dentures anyway.

I'm their youngest child - I had orthodontics as an adult, have many crowns, one fixed bridge and a couple of missing molars on the top. Sure, they say it's never too late for implants. Yea, well I am not going through a sinus lift or bone graft. I'll see about a flexible partial.

At this stage of my life (53) I can understand that when teeth are missing, the bone shrinks and really you do suffer some bone loss. I get why a dentist likes to put off dentures until an older age.

That said, I am already planning for the future and think I will likely fight harder for my lower teeth (I got more of 'em - lol) and will have no problem going into an upper denture.

At some point you really are throwing good money after bad.

My mom had dentures at a young age. My eldest sister had dentures I think in her early 40's. My BIL had dentures in his late 30's, early 40's.

I've seen too many people who never regretted dentures get on with loving life and their pretty teeth.

Re: dental issues

Sweetbay magnolia — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:11:47 GMT

Interesting stuff. Thank you all for that first hand knowledge. It could come in handy one day for me.

Re: dental issues

151949 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:25:53 GMT

I completely agree about not continuing to throw good money after bad. Even with insurance it is very expensive - plus the insurance premium is $50/month. Generally I pay 50% of all dental procedures and the ins pays 50%. At this point I only have 3 teeth left that haven't had at least a filling done. I have lost count of all my root canals. Being on prednisone for my asthma causes my gums to overgrow and they have to be cut back about every 3 years with a lazar - around $3000 after insurance for that. And to top all that off - my teeth are still painful and gums are sensitive. My gums bleed all the time too. I am going to discuss with the dentist about forgoing any more procedures and get my mind used to the fact I may need dentures soon. oh and another thing - my teeth are not very good looking anymore either. Dentures would look better.

Re: dental issues

dsky — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:51:59 GMT

This topic really hits home with me. I had my routine cleaning (every six months) on May 13th and had tons of problems ever since. Long story short a tooth, top back, had to be pulled had a vertical crack the x ray didn't see, (had it filled first, dentist didn't notice the front had a crack). Then that night cracked a tooth on the other side (a hard pistachio hit it at just the right angle to split it) that had to had gum lengthening surgery and a crown that the lab still hasn't gotten right according to my dentist (still have temp crown). I sound like Slyvester the cat every so often, lol. Anyway I wanted to have Invisalign and had all the xrays, now I have second thoughts because of all this expense. I can't believe how much money this all is it isn't right, and I have no dental insurance. I still have a couple of other things to fix and dread every second. I take good care of my teeth but I guess when you get older things like this happen. For those interested google oil pulling with coconut oil, for good oral health and teeth whitening. The most daunting thing about all of this is the financial cost, I mean come on, why is dental work so expensive, they raise their prices all the time.

Re: dental issues

Kachina624 — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:29:12 GMT

Birdmama said:
"
That said, I am already planning for the future and think I will likely fight harder for my lower teeth (I got more of 'em - lol) and will have no problem going into an upper denture."

My dentist said there's a world of difference between an upper and lower. The lowers are much less satisfactory, harder to fit, less comfortable, etc.

One warning...if you have or get dentures, keep them far, far away from your dog. They love them because they smell like food and are chewy. This lesson cost me $1400.

Re: dental issues

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:17:27 GMT

We've had some pretty big dental/orthodontia bills over the years, but we follow the advice of our dentists to try and keep the natural teeth as long as possible, even if it requires restorative work. DD and DH finally got all their stuff done so last year I started with mine. I had four crowns across the top front (#7, 8, 9, 10). It took forever for the lab to get the color right, but once they did, I've been very pleased. Even so, #6 & 11 (the eye teeth) still made my smile look a bit off. A little over a month ago, I was in for my 6 month hygienist appointment. I told her I was thinking about getting my eye teeth done. When my dentist came in for his part of the exam, he asked if I was having trouble or if I just thought it would look better. When I said for looks, he said he agreed. That was the last conversation I ever had with him. He dropped dead from a heart attack a little over a week later. That news really hit me hard. The dental office and I got the predetermination from my insurance company a couple of weeks ago. I was in the chair this past Monday for all the prep work (3 hrs. worth). The other dentist in the practice is the daughter of the one who died. She's taken care of me (us) a lot over the years and with my crowns last year. Boy, seeing her was hard. I broke down. Her dad was such a wonderful person besides being a great dentist. Anyway, I'm wearing my temporary crowns right now, being careful of what I eat and where I'm chewing, and looking forward to my crowns being delivered in about a week and a half.

Re: dental issues

Bird mama — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:22:40 GMT

@Kachina624

Thanks for the heads up. I wore a retainer for 10 years after getting braces in my early 20's. Geez, when I look back, I could have saved all that money and bought veneers. My original teeth were strong as an ox. After adult braces, there came root canals and crowns. Ugh.

For now, I'm in the bird phase of my life so my biggest risk will be dropping them when the time comes :-)

Re: dental issues

mysterylady — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:46:43 GMT

Looks like I'm not the only one having dental issues at this moment. Went for my usual cleaning in May. I no sooner got home than I noticed some sensitivity in one tooth but hoped it was temporary. Several weeks later I awoke to find the entire side of my face swollen and now there was pain. Went to the dentist that same day and x-rays found nothing. He charged me $65 and referred me to a root canal specialist who had last worked on the tooth in 2003. In seconds he determine the root had cracked and nothing could be done (charged me nothing). Tooth was extracted and I'm now waiting for the healing to be complete so I can get two new crowns with a partial between ($2250).

Last Nov. I had the same procedure on the other side ($3200). Neither of these included the cost of extraction ($250 ea.) I'm 74 yrs. old but my mother always said to keep your own teeth at all costs.

I have no insurance and needless to say, cost is an issue but I just can't accept dentures. My parents are both deceased but my dad had all his own teeth and mom had only top dentures. Both brothers still have their own teeth. I've pretty much determined that I'll fight to keep my teeth until there's no longer any hope - may have to mortgage my house but I think I'm just too vain - same with going gray-haired.

Re: dental issues

emmysmom — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 06:58:39 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
@emmysmom wrote:
@151949 wrote:
At what point is enough , enough? I only have a few teeth left that haven't had at least a filling, if not a root canal or more. I have 2 bridges and one of them needs replaced for another $2000. I have dental ins. but it won't cover this as the bridge is only a few years old.I have a lot of tenderness from my teeth, despite having so much expensive work done on them. At this point and at my age (66) I am beginning to feel I'd rather just have them removed than continue to have all this expensive and painful dental work all the time. I take very good care , brushing, flossing and gargling all to no avail. Flossing is how I cracked my bridge. Both my parents had dentures - I think I just have genetically bad teeth.
Boy can I relate! I also have inherited problems! I asked my dentist the same..I think dentures are worth looking into. Its a money pit! He wants to charge me over $8000 to fix some fillings, a couple of crowns and add some bling,(veneers) as he called it! I don't have any dental insurance! Yeah, right!
IMHO the 'old school' dentists who don't push all of this 'bling' such as veneers and tooth whitening products are the best. It is hard to trust one who tries to hard sell you on a lot of expensive veneers...fix the broken stuff first, I say!

Ita..I won't be going back to him! I got copies of my x rays and will find another dentist!

Re: dental issues

wilma — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 17:14:10 GMT

My parents had false teeth. All my siblings have teeth and/or gum issues so it runs in our family. My dad couldn't afford much more than basic dentistry and fillings, so I have slowly had lots of work done to repair and beautify my smile. Some of the damge to my teeth was caused by chronic medical conditions through the years and the medicines I took which affected the health of my teeth and gums.

I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on my teeth in the past 30 years. I have had root canals and gum surgery to save teeth, braces, whitening, and veneers. I also wear a custom bite guard for TMJ and to prevent grinding down of teeth. It was a lot of money and pain to go through some of these procedures, but in the end I am happy with my smile and the overall improved health of my mouth. When I talk, sing, and smile I am no longer embarrassed. I will continue to do whatever is necessary to keep my original teeth. Btw I am in my early 50s.