I am a 37 year old who has suffered from severe tooth decay over the last 7 years and am looking for some independent advice. I have always looked after my appearance and been confident but am becoming increasingly self conscious of my missing teeth to the extent that I don’t smile in public or on photos with my children. I also find eating very difficult and am concerned about future consequences to my health and appearance. I would like to investigate any affordable options.
I have lost most of my back teeth at the top with only 7 teeth at the front top (6 veneered and one bridge). Upper right I have only one tooth at the back and upper left only two teeth at the back. My lower teeth are present except one (lower right) although they have been heavily filled/crowned.
I have been advised by my NHS dentist that my only options are implants (which I understand to be very expensive) or a denture as my teeth are inadequate to support a bridge. He recently tried to fit a metal denture to fill the gaps with no success and has advised an acrylic denture is the only option. I really am reluctant to have a denture and this is what has led me to contact you. Is it the only option? Many Thanks.
Archive for the ‘Dr Andrew Moore’s answers’ Category
My Teeth Are Not Healthy Enough To Support A Bridge, Is A Denture My Only Option?
Friday, March 8th, 2013Why has one of my teeth stopped growing?
Friday, February 15th, 2013Well, to pout the story to you, I’m twelve years old. My teeth have grown perfectly but this was until one stopped growing completely. What has happened to cause this? Is it bad for you if this problem remains? Hopefully it’s just taking time to develop. I haven’t asked anyone about whether or not this is a bad thing for my dental health. Will I be needing oral surgery to correct the problem and rectify my smile? I still have some baby teeth remaining my two front teeth came out fine. I think the tooth that is not growing is my eating tooth. Its on the top.On the left side it fell and is now growing. But my right side isn’t. Is it because my left side is taking the time to develop? Could you please advise me on this situation and tell me what steps I should take, Regards.
What alternatives are there to dental implants?
Friday, February 15th, 2013Hello, I have just been to my local dentist and I need my front tooth removing as soon as possible, my other front tooth is already a bridge and thisis attached to the one I need taking out but she said that I can not have a dental bridge fitted, I could just have dentures but I’m twenty-nine years old and don’t want to be walking about with dentures in my mouth, my teeth either side of front ones are in good health though so why can’t I get a bridge fitted if this is the case, I can’t afford dental implants anyway so I want something else which will be more permanent, what would you recommend in this particular case?
What are the costs and payment plans for Invisalign to correct overbite and a gap in my front teeth?
Friday, February 15th, 2013I received orthodontic treatment as a kid to correct my overbite (in part due to thumb sucking) and a gap in my 2 front teeth. I have a fixed retainer on the back of my top 6 teeth which has not been maintained properly as gradually the gap has reappeared (in the front & at sides) and my teeth protrude (overbite is back) I’m interested in Invisalign to correct both of these issues, please can I have a guide as to cost & payment plans? Also, I show a lot of gum when I smile which is something I have always been conscious & hinders me naturally smiling, especially in photos. I would really like to have a procedure as part of my treatment to perfect my overall smile, is this possible at the Chelmsford surgery? Thanks in advance.
Lack of explanation of intense pain in tooth with root canal
Thursday, February 14th, 2013I had a root canal on tooth #19 about a month ago. I was fine after the procedure. A week later, I went in to get the crown fitting and a post placed. I had intense pain after that was done and 5 days later, I couldn’t feel the left part of my chin and the three teeth next to the one with the root canal felt crowded and tight. I went back to the dentist and he said he had no idea why I was experiencing numbing since they had not done any surgery and therefore, it was unlikely that my nerve had been damaged. He put me on antibiotics and steroids, but it is now it’s now 2 weeks later and the numbness and tightness is still there. The dentist is doing a “wait and see” approach and I am not sure if I should go somewhere else. Could there be more harm in waiting for the numbness to go away? Or is it possible that the nerve just needs time to heal? Please advise me!
I would like to replace my gold crown and wish to know more information about the crown and the cost involved.
Thursday, February 14th, 2013 Hello Dr Moore. Today I have been for a check up with my dentist. I was informed that I needed a new crown. The present one is gold. The tooth that needs the crown is at the back of my mouth. I am a NHS patient I wanted to have a gold replacement however, I was adviced that the NHS do not replace gold crowns with gold and If I wanted gold I would need to be a private patient. Instead I would now have to have a silver.on NHS so I asked what materials and metals were in the crown . The dentist was not able to answer my question.Nor could anyone else at the surgery. I was told to check online.
Also I was asked to pay for the treatment before any work would take place. I have paid £209 is this usual practice? I have never paid upfront before.
My gums are receding and I am not sure whether I would be too old for denture implants?
Thursday, February 14th, 2013I have had full dentures since I was 18 I am now 56, I suffer from a very dry mouth all the time and my gums are receeding and miss shaped. I feel ugly and old I would like to have implants but because of my gums I don’t think that would be possible. Is there anything that can be done for me. I cannot afford private treatment and I have no Social life as I am so self conscous of how I look. I have seen so many people who’s dentures drop every time they speak I am terrified of this happening to me, and without my teeth in I already look about 90. I have suffered in silence for 28 years because I thought I would be called vain or stupid, but as I have got older the feeling has got worse I just want to feel and look normal.
Is Fluorosis Irreversible?
Tuesday, February 12th, 2013My daughter of seven years has badly stained teeth from using too much fluoride toothpaste and probably swallowing it. I overbrushed her teeth not realising the negative effects this could have on young teeth. Her self-esteem is affected now and she’s embarassed to smile. Do you have any advice? She’s using a non-fluoride toothpaste now and drinking bottled water. She’s also allergic to dairy products and is taking a calcium supplement. Is the fluorosis irreversible?Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and we look forward to your reply.
My Dentist Says I Shouldn’t Whiten My Teeth, Should I Ignore Him?
Wednesday, February 6th, 2013I’m desperate to get my teeth whittened,they’re not terrible but would love a brighter,whiter smile. I’ve had past trials and tribulations. During my mid-teens I suffered with bulimia which I think has contributed to why my teeth are sensitive already.I’m now 26 yrs old fit, healthy and recovered. But I’m forever using whitening toothpastes to attempt to achieve that white smile but still not satisfied! After to speaking to my dentist briefly he has advised me 1. To stop using whitenning tooth pastes and 2. That teeth whittening would be a bad option for me as I have sensitive teeth already,would. It be a terrible idea to ignore him?
Will My Crown Match The Colour Of The Vaneer Next To It
Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 Hi,
4 years ago I had porcelain veneers fitted to my 2 front teeth and one tooth next to them on the NHS. I have been very happy with them and made lfestlye changes and conducted what I thought was good oral hygeine to care for them.
ONe of my front veneers came off at the weekend and smashed. At my NHS dentist on Monday she said I cant have another veneer as the quality of the tooth underneath isnt good enough so I need a crown.
I’m concerned that a porcelain fused to metal crown is not going to colour match the 2 veneers either side of it. She didnt give me any information about how it would look and dismissed my concerns that a black line would eventually show. Even though I know this to be the case after time!
What would be your advice on how to get the best aesthetics and strength in my front tooth?
Thankyou
