Teeth receding into gum
Q. Dear Dr Glaister – due to childhood neglect and a terrible fear of dentist -i did not visit a dentist (apart from tooth removal) until i was 33. My dentist at that time said my oral hygeine had obviously been excellent, all i needed was 2 fillings. I have continued to visit my dentist regularly and now at the age of 52 – my teeth are “not nice” at the bottom – a small gap is now widening and i cannot align my teeth to smile. I am sure one of my front teeth has “disappeared a bit” into my upper gum!! I don’t have a full set of teeth – probably about 24. What would you suggest to make me “smile” and to save me having sunken gums etc in years to come? I’m terrified of having to have dentures – i want to salvage what i have left. Thank you,
A. we always try to save teeth if possible and I’m sure we can give you a great smile. First I would suggest we look at your gums and their health – to see (a) the cause of the teeth moving and (b) as they are the foundations of the teeth. Once they are healthy and strong, you could look at simple cosmetic options of whitening to further treatment such as veneers and / or crowns. Kind regards Justin
I have a terrible phobia of dentists, and have not been to see one for about 34 years. I am so embarrassed to smile, smoking does not help. I know that I have plaque on some of my teeth. 3 at the back have come out, and 1 at the bottom, at the front. I thought about having them out, and implants put in, but the cost was too much. The dentist said that perhaps tooth caps could be put on. I did not see the dentist, it was my husband who asked for me. He also said that it depended on the root. How will this be done? If it was possibly to have caps, would I be able to have a few done at the same time, and knowing my fear would I be able to be put to sleep.
Thank you.
Sophie
Leave a Reply