Q.
I used to be a private patient but can no longer afford this due to life changes. I am not registered as an NHS patient, have not seen a dentist in many years and dont know what to do about accessing treatment and advice. I had most of my upper teeth removed a few years ago after I suffered tooth loss through failing crowns and bridgework. My teeth were replaced by a partial but almost complete deture I have two teeth remaining in my upper jaw one is a crown on one of my front teeth and one is a molar that is colapsing and will need extraction. I am reasonably sure I am suffering bone loss from the upper jaw as the denture now sits below the level of the crown. The denture is and has always been a poor fit and I reline this on a regular basis to stop it falling out all the time. Since having the denture fitted I have become very introverted and dont socialise much. My speach is not as clear as it was and this is affecing me in work. I think this is because I use my top lip to hold the denture in place as I am very embarrassed when it drops. I used to play a brass instrument but a combination of wearing the denture and other medical conditions stopped me doing this. Brass band playing was one of the most uplifting experiences I had to look forward to and without it I often feel dipressed. I have tryed to play but find my denture is too unstable to allow me to play with any degree of satisfaction. I had heart by pass surgery last year and dont know if my heart condition would preclude any sort of treatment. I was wondering if there was any way of providing stable lip support needed to enable me to play. I think this would help my mental and physical welbeing if I could get back into this. I hope you can give me some advice.