Q.
Dear Dr Moore 4 years ago I had gum graft on the gum on the top left hand side above my canine and the front tooth to the right. The graft didn’t take so I had it done again and this time it went well. The two teeth were gappy between caused by the recession. The graft went well and the surgeon sort of bonded the two teeth together at the back to make the teeth less gappy. However I was not able to floss in between them at all. I brush gently around the gum area. A year ago I had the graft done again as the gum receded again, however the surgeon told me it didn’t work as he didn’t take enough skin from the roof of my mouth. I haven’t as yet gone back as it took a while for the roof of my mouth to feel normal again. I am going to make an appointment. However recently in between the two teeth at the top a small hole has appeared and where previously there was gum I am now able to push floss through. This wasn’t there before and despite brushing maybe it is because small particles of food have got stuck there, because of the bonding between the teeth and not being able to floss, I don’t know. When I look at it, it sort of looks a bit black and I can’t work out if this is just the hole against the white of the teeth looking black or whether it is the bottom of the gum. Anyway I recently went to the dentist and hygenist and now have been told I need to have a root canal and then crown on my top right hand back molar. Also a very very old filling had come out which I need to have replaced and possibly a crown. On the other top hand side the dentist said there is some decay which needs sorting. I do brush and floss every day and recently gave up social smoking (I was not a heavy smoker). Two questions really: Should I have the gum graft done first by the specialist as I am concerned about this small hole. Is this likely to get worse quickly? or stay the same if I push floss through and keep the gum in the small hole clean? whilst I get the other work done? I just don’t want it to get any worse so it becomes beyond repair. Or should I have the root canal, crowns, decay treatment etc done first? The dentist suggested getting the root canal, crowns etc done and said when I had the gum done she would take the bonding off the teeth and recontour them, hopefully then I will be able to floss between them and stop the problem reoccuring. Also I was quoted £3000 for the root canal,crown, white filling – I thought it seemed quite pricey and was considering getting another quote from The British Hungarian Medical Service, who I found on the internet, even their London prices were cheaper than my quote. Am I able to ask my dentist for my panoramic xrays and dental treatment to use when seeking another quote? is this acceptable? Sorry if I’m rambling! I hope I’ve made sense and you can advise me. I look forward to your reply. Many thanks.