Q.
Hi I am 53 and following a course of peridontal treatment, I’ve been advised that I have suffered considerable bone loss and loss of gum tissue through gum disease which has gradually worsened. The worst area where the gum recession is most noticable is around my top front 4 teeth, which are crowned. The recession has increased dramatically since the full mouth disinfection treatment (scaling & root planing with periochips). I’ve been advised that the bone loss I’ve suffered means that it would not be possible to resolve the problem with dental implants. Furthermore, it would also be difficult to get a successful outcome via either replacement crowns – or bone regeneration techniques. Fortunately, the problem is not evident when I am generally speaking. Unfortunately, I have a ‘gummy smile’, so the problem is immediately evident when I laugh. This is now making me very self-conscious, so I tend to smile when my mouth closed. Not easy for someone who relishes a good sense of humour….!! So my questions are: Do I need to be considering the ‘D’ word already? Are dentures my only option? Is it possible to utilize implants of any sort when bone loss and gum recession is a problem? Can you offer any advice as to my best way forward? Thanks in advance!