dental issues

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

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.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

redhead65 · ‎05-16-2015

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.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

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.

emmysmom · ‎06-22-2010

@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!

Don't cry for a man who's left you--the next one may fall for your smile.
-- Mae West

June222 · ‎06-15-2015

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.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

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.

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

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.

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

@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.

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

@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!