Q.
Hi there. Unfortunately I fell in the ice two weeks ago and my teeth took the brunt. I’m very anxious now about my prognosis / future treatment. My front left tooth was pushed up into my gum and broke horizontally – it is now dead, receiving root treatment and has a temporary crown – it will likely be extracted. My right front tooth was chipped badly and now has temporary composite on it – but it is still mobile. The tooth next to my left front tooth also chipped and is still mobile. There is also fractured bone fragment in my gum above my front teeth. We don’t know what this is from. My teeth were perfect before this so needless to say, I am devastated. Also I have no dental insurance and so I’m naturally worried about costs. I’m also worried about infections / treatments / procedures and how long this will take. This is particularly worrying as I work as a child psychologist and I’m concerned about how much time I’ll need off. I’m based in Glasgow. My dentist is being excellent with me, but seems very unsure about prognosis. X rays were not clear. I’m anticipating that I’ll need all 3 extracted and almost want to reluctantly encourage this as I fear the longer they’re in, the more damage they might cause to my remaining teeth. Also, if my front teeth are extracted, how would that affect my face? The first dentist I saw in emergency said that my face would sink inwards, which I am very nervous about. Any advice about cosmetics / dental treatment would be hugely appreciated as I’m getting increasingly anxious. Also concerned it is slowly affecting my confidence which I never had a problem with before, as I continue to avoid social situations (due to aesthetics and obligation to eat / drink) and I’m also fearing I’ll never be able to eat a burger again! Thank you for your time on this and I look forward to hearing your response. Kind regards,

Q.
Hello. I have read that a well-maintained implant can last 20 to 30 years. My question is, by ‘implant’ do they mean the titanium screw or the crown? When an implant has reached it’s lifespan what options are available? Is it usually ok to have another implant fitted immediatley (if said person has maintained very healthy teeth) or can their be difficulties with the bone where the older impant has been removed? I appreciate your response.,