Community Chat

[Sooner]

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@smoochy wrote:

because I sing in an elite 100 member award winning show chorus (womens barbershop) I was naturally concerned about a toothless gap showing. Which honestly would probably have disqualified me from performing. Judges see us up close. At international competition, the audience will see us up close on the Jumbotron when the cameras zoom in. We will be on that stage next October. My dentist said the implant option "might" be finished by then. I was shocked at what a ridiculous lengthy process it is. I had no idea.

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@smoochy Can you get a "flipper?"  I have no idea what that is, but a friend had one for temporary use.  

[smoochy]

@Sooner  I don't know what a flipper is either. Will google. 

[smoochy]

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@monicakm wrote:

@smoochy 

I nearly fell out of my chair.  When I read "I sing in an elite 100 member award winning show chorus", my mind instantly thought you were in the Broadway show "A Chorus Line".  Love LOVED that show.  I saw it on Broadway in 1977.

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oh my gosh that's hilarious 😆 no I'm a member of Sweet Adelines International. The chapter chorus I perform in is Toast of Tampa Show Chorus. If you're so inclined, find us on YouTube. Look for our name followed by 2023 International Semi finals. You'll get a taste of why this is such a huge part of my life 😉 four part a cappella harmony, stage makeup and glitzy sparkly costumes 🤩✨

[Desertdi]

Dental "flipper"....probably would not work for a singer.   I had one once during an implant.   It caused me to lisp, and  it kept falling out on my keyboard at work...

[BlueFinch]

I've recently entered the implant club. I had a perfectly healthy molar (top left tooth, second from the canine) that was fractured horizontally below the gum line. Don't know how it happened.

I left it for years but it finally began to shift apart and I was warned of possible infection setting in. So, out it came the first week of October, along with a bone graft and ten days of antibiotics. Oddly, as fractured as that tooth was, it never was painful. 

I debated whether to leave the gap, but it's close enough to the front of my mouth that when I smile broadly, or laugh, it can be noticed. The implant process is estimated to take up to eight months to completion. 

I have a follow up in two days to assess the graft situation. Usually after the graft, they wait for about three months before placing the abutment into the bone. Then another wait before attaching the implant, then another wait for placing the crown.

Then it's all over but the crying over how much this mess costs. I'm looking at 5k for one tooth, which is the average cost in my area. 

BTW, I think they can almost always provide a flipper. I was offered one, but declined. I'm just choosing to make sure I guard my smile and laughter for a few months. No big deal. 

[San Antonio Gal]

I agree with your choice @smoochy .  It's not even noticeable.  No reason to spend all the $$$ and inconvenience to do the alternative.

[San Antonio Gal]

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@monicakm wrote:

I know this probably won't be of any use for anyone here, but maybe you can pass this tip down to younger ones.  

I can't know for sure this has helped me but I've never had a cavity.  I don't know if it's inheriting my dad's teeth and/or the tip my dentist gave me back in my 20s.  He said not to rinse my mouth for 5 minutes after brushing.  The fluoride has more time to do it's thing.  I decided I didn't have 5 minutes to sit around or remember if I got busy doing something else so I made the executive decision to just not rinse at all.  

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I can't imagine not rinsing @monicakm .  I have a script from my dentist for a more potent (fluoride wise) toothpaste that I get from the pharmacy.  I'll use this toothpaste for the rest of my life.

[LTT1]

@smoochy 

Good luck on your oral surgery this morning!❤️

[CalminHeart]

Good luck!

I'm in my 70s and made the same decision you did. The gap is not visible when I laugh or talk and doesn't interfere with eating. It was the best financial and daily living decision for me too.

[geezerette]

I had the same situation with a lower molar about five years ago.  My dentist and hygienist tried to talk me into an implant or at least a bridge, but I decided against both.  For my age and lifestyle it wasn't worth it for me, for many reasons.

I haven't had any problems nor does the gap show unless I purposely pull my lips back.  I was warned, however, there would be bone loss with an empty space and that has happened.  So far that isn't a problem, but if it affects any surrounding teeth in the future I'll opt for a bridge.  No implants for me at this point.  Also, I wear a night guard so that has helped to prevent any shifting in my teeth.

Good luck, @smoochy !