Can Healthy Teeth be Taken Out?
Q.
I have had a very expensive bridge attached to a tooth which twice developed an infection/abscess. It cost £1000+. It’s all gone wrong and I didn’t even have it for a year. So now I have another tooth, 4th from the front at the top. It is crumbling and sharp/jagged, the opposite number of the now big gap. I have a teaching role and work in media/sports, so my smile is very important, hence the investment in the failed bridge. My question is: I have six front upper teeth, my lower teeth are sharp, jagged, worn out and crumbling. At what point can I insist that I can have my upper teeth removed to facilitate a top denture? My dentist says he cannot take out healthy teeth or he would be struck off. Your comments would be appreciated.
I have had a very expensive bridge attached to a tooth which twice developed an infection/abscess. It cost £1000+. It’s all gone wrong and I didn’t even have it for a year. So now I have another tooth, 4th from the front at the top. It is crumbling and sharp/jagged, the opposite number of the now big gap. I have a teaching role and work in media/sports, so my smile is very important, hence the investment in the failed bridge. My question is: I have six front upper teeth, my lower teeth are sharp, jagged, worn out and crumbling. At what point can I insist that I can have my upper teeth removed to facilitate a top denture? My dentist says he cannot take out healthy teeth or he would be struck off. Your comments would be appreciated.
A.
Thank you for your question. Taking out healthy teeth could certainly be considered negligent and unethical. Surely there are other options for you that are much less drastic? Maybe it’s time to seek more advanced dental care and/or advice – why don’t you seek a second opinion from a recognised ‘specialist’ in restorative dentistry or a cosmetic dentist with an excellent reputation? The diagnosis and treatment planning part of any dental treatment, especially if it’s complex, is the most important part. I would be asking why your teeth are crumbling and what can be done about it. Kind regards, Mark.
Thank you for your question. Taking out healthy teeth could certainly be considered negligent and unethical. Surely there are other options for you that are much less drastic? Maybe it’s time to seek more advanced dental care and/or advice – why don’t you seek a second opinion from a recognised ‘specialist’ in restorative dentistry or a cosmetic dentist with an excellent reputation? The diagnosis and treatment planning part of any dental treatment, especially if it’s complex, is the most important part. I would be asking why your teeth are crumbling and what can be done about it. Kind regards, Mark.
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