Wellness

[Dinaki]

Is time for me to get a full set of dentures?

I am 62 years young, I suffer for gum tenderness, sometimes  bleeding . Bone loss is been diagnosed by my dentist and lately, I have difficulty chew foods and one tooth on the right back is loose.

I asked to the dentist for dentures but she was saying always, oh no, we can save the teeth and you need this and that therapy.

I have been going to the dentist like three to four times per year for her to "fix" my mouth but never seems i  have any results. The "therapy has started like two years ago.

Lately, I have been thinking why does she wants me to visit the dental office when nothing happens ( I have been going for two years but with COVID, about 5 months, I no longer am going).

Do you think I should tell her that I made my decision and I need those articfial teeth?

It is painfull everytime I visit her and also, even with my dental insurance, those visits are adding up to gross sum of money.

So what do you think ladies I should do?

[Kachina624]

@Dinaki    No, I think you should do everything possible to save your teeth.  I have an upper denture, which is a pain, but my dentist told me to take good care of my lowers because they are a real problem and rarely work out very satisfactorily.

If you think your current dentist is not helping you, either tell her (good communication is essential) or fire her and shop for another.

[kittyloo]

@Dinaki   i am about your same age.  i have issues as well. mine stem mostly from the head cancer i had several years ago, and all the radiation treatments i had on my jaws and teeth. long story, won't bore you.

point being if you're gums are sensitive and bleed now, it seems like wearing a denture would aggravate the issue.

i finally got a partial to fill in some teeth, and i hate it.  paid big bucks for it also. $2500. sits in my purse. 

you really not that old.  i would see what they have in mind for therapy. seems like the bleeding could be repaired with maybe some root planeings or something.  

have you come out and asked why they think you are not a good candidate for the dentures?  

if you have been to several dentists, and they all say they can fix the problem, why are you reluctant?  are you following through with their reccommendations?

[Dinaki]

@kittyloo no, the only doctor who touched my mouth is the same dentist.

[drizzellla]

I completely understand your position. I also spend $$$$$$ every time I go to the Dentist. He always finds something else he has to do. And since I do not have Dental Insurance, he looks at me like a cash cow.

I can see why you want dentures. BUT please research it some more. I do not have dentures. But my Dad was in an auto accident, he was hit from behind with such force that he hit the steering wheel and lost his front teeth. He got dentures and they looked BEAUTIFUL! But he had a bit of a struggle eating with them. The dentures filled up the roof of his mouth so it took getting used to eating and talking with the tongue in a smaller space.

If you can, maybe look into implants. The false teeth would be permanently implanted and secured in you mouth. You wouldn't have to deal with all the additional plastic (or whatever material it is).

[I am still oxox]

I have implant assisted "dentures" they were both supposed to be removable but my mouth is a bit odd so the top denture is held in place with 4 implants and it is not removable. The bottom is removable and is held in place with 2 implants.

My dentist works at a local medical center that has a dental program and I was able to get everything at a fairly reasonable price

[vsm]

@DinakiSounds like you need to see a periodontist in addition to your dentist.  A periodontist will help restore the health of your gums, which will in turn promote the health of your teeth.  Good oral health is necessary for good overall health (especially heart health).  It's an investment in yourself -- and well worth the time and the money.

[patbz]

@drizzellla : DH had a mouthful of implants and then they failed; he went to another specialist and started the implant procedure again--they failed($30,000). Eventually he got dentures; they aren't perfect but he's had them for two years and they've worked out most of the kinks.  Now he feels good about himself and can eat most things.  With our experience (including bone implants, sinus grafts etc) if I were you, Id  find the best specialist I could and then go with his or her recommendations.  If money is an issue (for a major expense such as this) ask about Care Credit ( depending on size of your bill you have two years to make payments, interest free).  Good Luck!

[Dinaki]

I thank you all ladies, I do value your answers to my problem.

[EatWell]

Do you religiously floss several times every day?  
You still may be able to keep your teeth awhile longer, and not need a mouth of false teeth,  which is not fun.  With a mouth of false teeth, some can not chew or eat some foods

Benefits of flossing:

https://www.drlinhart.com/5-surprising-benefits-of-flossing-your-

~Life is short. Eat well. Because you may die tomorrow.~