She Needs a Different Dentist

Question submitted by Anne-Marie

I have some problems with my teeth. I will admit that. They’re discolored. Some are chipped. There are several with decay. My dentist wants me to take out all the teeth and get partials, but I really feel I’m too young for that (I’m 37). Plus, I really thought that there were advancements in dentistry that could do more. When I mentioned that, my dentist just sighed and said my teeth weren’t worth the trouble. Is there really nothing I can do? The way he is acting, I will be in full dentures before I’m 40.

Anne-Marie

Dear Anne-Marie,

I am very glad you wrote. The first thing that you should know is that you are not with the best dentist for your situation. Dentists vary in their willingness to work to save teeth. Your dentist said it wasn’t worth the trouble. To who? You want to save your teeth, so it’s worth it to you. He’s getting paid to do that AND getting to help someone in the process, so it should be worth it to him. The fact that it isn’t tells me you need to find a different dentist.

There are a variety of treatments for your situation. I’d start by finding a dentist willing to save as many teeth as possible. The discoloration can be easily fixed with teeth whitening. The chipped teeth can be repaired with dental bonding.

For those teeth that you cannot save, I would not go with partial dentures. There are much better solutions. Dentures of any kind will lead to you losing the bone structure where the tooth once was. However, if you replace the tooth with a dental implant, then you don’t have to worry about the bone loss because the implant will signal to your body that you need the bone to support the tooth. Plus, the implant is permanent. It’s the closest thing to having a healthy, natural tooth in your mouth again.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.