I haven’t been to the dentist in years, which has left me with many broken and decaying teeth. I’m thinking of getting them removed and then getting dentures. Should I go to an oral surgeon or a dentist first for that?
Bruce
Dear Bruce,
If you’re getting dentures, it is always best to go to a dentist who does the extractions and the dentures. This will eliminate any communication issues. Pre-denture surgery isn’t complicated, but you want a dentist who does it normally and not as a special case for you. You can find that out by calling their office and asking them how they normally handle someone who wants full dentures.
You have dental anxiety. That’s not news to you, I’m sure. However, to make this less traumatic for you, I’m going to suggest in addition to what I mentioned above that you also look for a dentist who does sleep dentistry. This way there will be no anxiety and no pain for you.
Consider Sedation Dentistry before Giving Up on Your Teeth
There are consequences to removing all your teeth for complete removable dentures. The most serious is the inevitability of facial collapse. I’m going to recommend, before you settle on dentures, that you first try to save as many teeth as possible. This will be a huge benefit to you in the long run.
One thing you can do is get this Cu Sil Partial denture. It leaves room for your natural teeth, then if a tooth happens to need extraction at a later date it is fairly easy to pop a new false tooth in there.
The more teeth you save, the better.
You’ll find having dental sedation allows you to get more work done in one sitting. And, like the denture preparation extractions, it will allow you to have it done without anxiety or pain.
Many patients who have suffered from dental anxiety their whole lives, find this changes the way they view the dentist. For the first time, they’re able to get the regular oral health care they need.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.