Ok, so "school" didn't ruin my teeth but I did. I went to University for 6 years and got 2 degrees. I studied A LOT and as a result got top marks in both colleges and have teeth that I'm not happy about anymore.
So how does all this make bad teeth? Well I had this habit of drinking pop all the time to keep me awake and while I was studying. The dentist I went to for those years never said anything to me but marked down on my file that my enamel was eroding away. When I got a job and switched dentists he looked at my file and was curious as to why my teeth had been eroding and I did nothing to prevent it. I told him this was the first I had heard about it and now I'm upset.
There is little enamel on the molars in the back and along some of the sides of the teeth. The front teeth are fine thank God so when I smile it looks normal. If you look inside at the back they just appear slightly yellow but this is the color of the underlying dentin.
2007-10-14 15:08:36 · 5 answers · asked by Ben H 5 in Health ➔ Dental
So what can I do? I'm pretty upset. Does this mean all my teeth will have to be removed? My current dentist says that they are in fine condition and as long as they don't hurt me they won't have to do any filings. He also told me that if I wanted I could get caps on them.
what should I do?
2007-10-14 15:09:35 · update #1
Usually the front teeth are eroded too, and can have thin, fragile edges that chip easily. Ultimately they will wear down too, and will become more difficult to repair as time goes on.
At this stage, it depends on the severity of your problem.
If it's only minor, then it might be OK to leave alone, assuming you have changed your wicked ways!
If it's major, then I'd suggest you see about re-opening your bite to make up for the lost enamel. In the simplest form, this can mean composite (white) fillings on your teeth. For a better result long term, it may mean porcelain onlays for your teeth.
I'd suggest you seek a referral to a specialist prosthodontist for at least an opinion, and possibly treatment. Prosthodontists treat complex rebuilding of teeth.
Caps are not always a good solution UNLESS you have already reopened the bite. This is because in cutting a tooth for a crown, we don't want to get too close to the nerve. If you've lost enamel, then your teeth are already at a disadvantage by having a thinner outer layer, and the crown preparation may get too close.
2007-10-14 22:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Matt W (Australia) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would ask your new dentist what may be able to help the most. I've gotten some damage to my teeth and am using a Calcium supplement to help the actual teeth and a rinse that is a "restoring mouthwash".
Also, I would get in contact with your last doctor and ask why he never told you that your enamel was eroding and only left notes in your file. If they don't give you any satisfaction, you may want to consider talking to the Better Business Bureau (and maybe legal assistance if your current dentist says it's bad enough damage) about your previous doctor. Good luck!
2007-10-14 22:19:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if your current dentist said they'll be fine, then don't worry about it. Just always brush really well. That's good that your front teeth are fine. That stinks that your first dentist didn't say anything. You don't really want those back teeth removed anyway because they help you eat. You can get caps if you want but otherwise I just wouldn't worry about it. Good luck!
2007-10-14 23:46:27 · answer #3 · answered by St. Louis Cardinals Fan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get caps to keep my enamal from eroding.
2007-10-14 23:28:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
IF YOUR DENTIST BELIEVES THEY'RE FINE THEN TRUST HIS JUDGMENT.
2007-10-14 22:37:47 · answer #5 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋