I had a fall which broke my tooth a bit. It feels fine but looks funny with that chip. My sister told me I could get that repaired. Yet, when I went to see the dentist he wants to pull the tooth and give me a partial denture. I’m opposed to this for a few reasons. First, it’s a front tooth. Second, I’m too young for dentures. Third, and this is just being honest, the idea of getting a tooth pulled terrifies me. I’ve never been comfortable in the dental chair though I try to force myself to go at least once every couple of years. Is this my only option? Money isn’t an issue.
Craig
Dear Craig,
I want you to bear in mind that I haven’t examined your tooth, but am inclined to think you need to see a different dentist. From what I’m getting, your tooth is chipped and that is all, right? If that is the case, the solution would be a dental bonding procedure (pictured above). This is a fairly difficult (for the dentist) cosmetic procedure. It may just boil down to your dentist doesn’t know how to do it. However, there is always the alternative of getting a porcelain crown.
Even if there were some more serious underlying issue, such as the tooth suffering enough trauma for the pulp to die, in that case you’d do a root canal treatment with a dental crown. I don’t understand this rush to extract the tooth. However, let’s say for the sake of argument that there is no way for the tooth to be saved. Why then do a removable partial denture when there are much better options available? Did he mention a dental implant or even a dental bridge? The fact that he is suggesting a cheap denture is a sign to me you are not getting top-quality care. You said money wasn’t an issue, so it is not a matter of him knowing you need the cheapest solution.
What I’d like you to do is get a second opinion from one of the dentists listed on the mynewsmile.com website. They can not only handle all your cosmetic dentistry needs, but additionally, they have the cosmetic skills necessary to give you a gorgeous repair that will blend right in with your tooth.
If the Tooth Needs to Be Extracted
Let’s say the worst-case scenario is true and the tooth needs to be extracted. Don’t be embarrassed for being uncomfortable with that. Many patients aren’t exactly counting down the days with joyous anticipation for their next dental appointment. One thing I suggest to patients in situations such as yous is to have the tooth extracted with a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is sometimes dubbed sleep dentistry because you will be so relaxed you can just sleep through the procedure you want. The only downside is you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you until you are lucid and steady on your feet again.
Then, when it is time to get your permanent tooth replacement. I highly recommend you get a dental implant. This is the closest thing to a healthy, natural tooth. It’s also surgically implanted into your jawbone so you will not have to worry about anything removable.
This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.