I have had ongoing problems with my teeth for many years

Q. hi doctor, I have had ongoing problems with my teeth for many years, e.g. a small filling, then larger aone then crown then the post crown snapped and i had tooth extracted… i moved onto a maryland bridge as not to effect good teeth…. this has been a similar story for alot of my teeth,,,, at times my crowns have felt low…as i clench my teeth when sleeping i feel that this has put pressure on my teeth over the years and i am now left with only two teeh on my right lower side and one of those is a crown… I am now going down the implant route, overall I need maximum 4 or minimum two, however I am worried that my clenching will cause the same damage to the implants??? Also, I do really like my dentist however, I dont know whether to get a second opinion, as I feel disloyal and would I really use another dentist as I have been with my dentist for 20 years….. but do I know whether she has provided my with high quality treatment ???? My dentist used to be nhs and treatment felt rushed as she was very busy, (the practice is in the most prestigious area in the city)… Now as a private dentist it still feels rushed?? are these good signs??? I feel so vunerable right now and unconfident…. I have looked for information on what makes a good dentist but to no avail as information is very broad and non specific….please help

A. As an experienced dentist I have no concerns if my patients seek a sedcond, third or fourth opinion when sonsidering complicated treatmemt..I a view this as a good thing - truly informed consent.  I would suggest that you sek other opinions and find out what post graduate courses/ qualifications the dentists in questions have.  Also ask to see their work - may be on their web sites.  It sounds as though you have a good relationship with your dentist and you may well end up being treated by her but no harm in finding out other dentists views.

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

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Tags: bad teeth, bridges, cavities, composite bonding, cosmetic dentist, cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers

This post was published on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 at 6:18 amand is filed under Dr Caplan's Answers, Experts Answers, Q. Missing teeth, Q. Orthodontics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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