I was in a car accident and lost my front side tooth and damaged other teeth (I had the braces wire on). I have been undergoing surgery after surgery to reconstruct all the damage to my mouth. Currently my dentist explained that his best plan of action is for me to get dentures. I'm only 24! I cry everytime I think of dentures. Is there any other alternative?
2006-08-21 17:20:16 · 16 answers · asked by ArtisticallyUgly 2 in Health ➔ Dental
I say seek other options....
There are oral surgeons and Maxillofacial surgeons specialise in reconstruction of facial injuries, due to car accidents etc.
seek one of these people out the will have better options then pulling all your teeth out and shoving in some dentures, like you said you are only 24, they will have better answers for you and if not seek another, don't stop till you get a better answer!!!
2006-08-21 18:52:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With out seeing xrays, it's hard to know what the condition of your mouth is. Did your dentist suggest dentures as a low cost alternative, or is there other factors at play here? Why not implants, or bridges? Time for a second or third opinion. Do you have any damage to the bone stucture? Gosh, I am truly dumbfounded that dentures are your only option. PLEASE go see someone else, see whats out there. Bring along a current set of x-rays with you, your dentist should give you a copy, all you have yo do is ask. I wish you all the best, and I hope that you are recovering from your accident.
2006-08-21 17:40:35 · answer #2 · answered by fotocrazy06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO no no! Do not just get dentures!
Read this site before you decide to do that!
http://www.doctorspiller.com/DenturesYesOrNo.htm
I was in a situation where I faced either dentures or implants and chose implants. I was told that the bones in my jaws would begin to deteriorate without the roots of the teeth. So I got implants placed and couldn't be happier. My smile is amazing and know one would ever know I have artifical teeth. They are as secure as natural teeth. I do not remove them but clean them as one does natural teeth with floss, and a toothbrush.
I have a great friend who opted for dentures and today she went from a woman who could win a beauty contest in just 5 years she has aged and looks like she is in her early 60's and she is only 35. If the insurance will pay for implants since you had a car accident then do so.
Implants are the only alternative to replacement of teeth that is as close to natural teeth. Talking about stem cells to replace teeth, if that happens that is in the future (way in the future) What you need is help Now. I hope you get your dream smile back.
Also the link Dr. Sam posted is the link to my Doctor's who transformed my smile!
2006-08-22 03:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by Skeeter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there was damage to the bone, the titanium screw that holds the replacement tooth won't anchor properly. Your dentist probably has good reason for suggesting the dentures, but if you want a second opinion, find a dentist in your area that does implants and schedule a consultation. A second opinion never hurts.
Good luck.
2006-08-21 17:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by April 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, you yourself said it. Implants. Talk to your dentist about the cost. It's wonderful. It's pretty costly but, hopefully you have insurance. This is more than just for cosmetics....you were in an accident and your absolutely right! You are too young for dentures. Talk with your dentist about implants. At your age and considering how many implants you'll need, it really sounds like the best way to proceed with your reconstruction.
2006-08-21 17:36:09 · answer #5 · answered by ktltel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is very sucky! I broke a front tooth when I was 12. Went through many root canals and reconstructions, they always talked about "saving" the real tooth and all. then it was "we want to wait until you stop growing" blah blah blah.
When I was 21, the real part finally gave up and broke above the gum line. They told me that they wanted to give me a temporary tooth (a flipper) until the bone healed.
Never got around to getting the implant done. I want to, but its so expensive.
maybe after awhile you can get implants instead of removeable dentures. I feel your pain. it sucks.
2006-08-21 17:28:26 · answer #6 · answered by Peter G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an implant about a year ago to replace my front right tooth. It was expensive (about 5 grand total) and a long process (waiting for the bone to grow around the implant), but I am happy with it. You should definately look into it. I have had crowns on that tooth since I was around 10 years old and I finally can bite into foods with no worries! I went to a prosthodonist who specializes in the work.
2006-08-21 17:49:06 · answer #7 · answered by debbie ♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If dentures are the best way, do it. But what happened to (sorry about spelling) venures? Ask about the options, if he's not open, go get another opinion.
2006-08-21 17:27:59 · answer #8 · answered by woodybeer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have some of your teeth you can get refacing done.. where they put enamels over your existing teeth. If there's nothing to attach the tooth to, I don't think they can do anything. Go to a different dentist, perhaps a cosmetic one, if you aren't satisfied with what he is telling you.
2006-08-21 17:27:01 · answer #9 · answered by Erin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with the dentures. My mom was younger than you when she had all her teeth pulled and has top and bottom dentures.
2006-08-21 17:32:19 · answer #10 · answered by Susan L 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋