I'm in need of something. I'm 38, I have been drug free 8 years. (Meth) I'm very frigfhtened of dentists. The pain is ungodly. I believe I have perio disease, gigivitis, bone loss , teeth are loose, some have fallen out (with no blood)
I know i need to get some teeth. I am aware that i need antibiotics to heal first. Who do i go to first. I have medi-cal/denti-cal. I know there is no hope of saving my teeth, what alternatives do I have?
2007-02-07 08:35:42 · 5 answers · asked by Little Girl 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Meth as well as all other drugs does do a lot of damage to teeth. This one more so that most of the others. The main thing is you’re off the drugs now, and want to fix what you have left.
You should start out with a general dentist, or DMD. If any speciality work needs to be done, he will refer you to another dentist. Any general dentist will tell you to try to save as many teeth as possible, or at least the k-9's on upper and lower for an over denture, if it's at all possible. You probably have substantial bone loss from the drugs and perio disease which would not give you a very high ridge for a denture to be place, with any stability for function. Saving these teeth and doing an over denture will give the denture these teeth to help hold it in place, giving it that added stability that most denture wearers suffer a lack of. Having dentures is not always the best way to go; if your teeth can be saved with other measures, although expensive, it may be beneficial to try. It really all depends on the condition of the teeth, their surrounding bone, your tissue and how much time and money you want to invest in restoring them.
There are many options available to restore even the worst teeth these days. So don’t become disheartened and think there is no help for your condition, or dentures are the only thing you can have. Before making a decision which way to go, denture, over denture, bridge work or partials, the dentist will need to do x rays and do a through examination your teeth. So nothing will be done the first day other than that, and talking about what possible options you have.
It's at this time that you can let him know of your fear of dental work and what ever pain you’re in now. The fear can be eliminated just by you knowing what to expect and feeling at ease with whomever you choose to do your work. You will be anesthetized for all procedures that may promote discomfort. Some people think that they can’t have anything because of the drug addiction, but that’s just not so. Dentistry these days is not as uncomfortable as it used to be. I'm sure you know that recovering addicts aren't given pain medication in the narcotic form. For now you can take Aleve or Motrin to help with the inflammation from the perio and gingivitis, but he will most likely put you on antibiotics that will help tremendously after about two days, once your blood levels are up.
You’ve made the first step, by wanting to do something. Now it’s up to you to make an appointment and see what can be done to help you. I hope you’ll follow through with this and get the necessary treatment. It will make a world of difference in everything about you, the way you feel about yourself, and how others perceive you. Good luck and I hope I’ve given you some helpful information and encouragement to pursue your dental treatment.
2007-02-07 09:39:16 · answer #1 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to your regular, general practice dentist. Try and get a recommendation from someone. Call and ask if they accept your insurance. From there, he will be able to tell you what you need, what you need first, etc. And by the way, most dentists will be good about making sure you're totally numb before they start working on you. Ask for nitrous oxide as well, it's very relaxing, and take some headphones to keep your mind off things.
2007-02-07 08:52:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A visit to your general dental practitioner (GDP) should be your first stop. They will probably refer to to a periodontist to get perio treatment which should help with the gum disease and bone loss and probably some of the shaky teeth not all. After perio treatment u will be referred back to the GDP who will give you your options for replacing your teeth.
2007-02-07 08:57:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A General Dentist should be able to identify your needs and treat them. If not they should be able to refer you to a local specialist that can meet your needs, even with Medi-Cal.
Cal your local Dental Society for a refferal to a dentist who still accepts Denti-Cal
2007-02-07 08:41:44 · answer #4 · answered by dre 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not sure.
But, you may wish to read a good article called "Implant Dentistry – The Convenient and Safe Alternative to Dentures". You can find it at:
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-implant-dentistry-article.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dentist-tijuana-dentist.html
http://san-diego-dentists.blogspot.com
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dentist-tijuana-dentist.html
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/tijuana-dentist.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-implants.html
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm
http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/lasik-eye-surgery-san-diego.htm
http://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attorney-legal-injury-defense-directory.com
http://www.acne-treatment-medicine-1.info
2007-02-09 07:07:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋