My Teeth are a Mess?

My teeth are a mess. I haven't had a tooth pulled since I was a teenager; I'm now in my 50s. In the late 70s-early 80s I had extensive dental work -- 7 crowns, a bridge and upper and lower partials. Now all these years later, I need all of it replaced. My gums are getting bad and I worry about infection -- mainly because I've had a hip replacement and I found out any infection in the mouth can go right to the prothesis. (Oh the joys of growing old!) I'm debating whether to just get all my teeth pulled (I only have 9 actual teeth, not counting the 7 stubs under the crowns), or have the crowns/bridge replaced and get new partials. Also, CAN THE TEENY TINY STUBS UNDER THE CROWNS BE PULLED EASILY -- it seems to me they'd be very difficult to get out, since there's not much to grip.

My Teeth are a Mess?
I am so sorry you feel like you are in a bad situation with your teeth, but trust me, please keep any teeth you can for as long as you can. Dentures are never the solution unless it is the only option left. They never fit perfectly or feel natural when eating or speaking. Plus, once teeth are removed, the bone looses its function and beings to dissolve away, leaving less of a foundation for dentures to adhere to properly. As far as your gums getting bad, seeing a hygienist for regular cleanings (even as frequent as 4 times a year), plus regular brushing and flossing can help maintain gum health. As far as the infection risk to your hip replacement, a doctor or dentist can prescribe antibiotic premed to take 1 hour prior to your dental appointment to ward off any risk associated with dental treatment. Crowns ands bridges do not last forever and if you have had 20-30 years of life out of them, you got your moneys worth! You will need good strong teeth and restorations for a long time if you are only in your 50's, so having them replaced is worth time time, cost and effort. Hope this helps a little.....I know many people start to feel hopeless about their teeth when the dentist lets you know you need some major work, but teeth are a lot like cars, they need maintenance and care to perform at their best. Good Luck! =)
Reply:I've had 7 teeth pulled and 4 of them were broken down to the roots. Those broken ones came out easily so I think your 'stubs' will come out just fine. I'm getting another broken tooth pulled, 6 crowns and upper and lower partials soon. I'm only 29 but I feel your pain.
Reply:Find yourself a dentist that is willing to give all options, cost is always a factor. As far as the stubs, I've had 3 stubbies pulled, didnt even know they were out until the surgeon told me, sometimes they do fracture in the gum %26amp; they have to ensure they got it all out, no big deal. Us older people didnt have the benefit of good dental care %26amp; flouride treatments, we werent taught proper dental care, therefore now we're finding we have a lot more dental issues, oh the joys of getting old LOL If your gums are having issues from your partials, that means they are not fitting right, go in %26amp; have an impression done, maybe they just need to be reformed.
Reply:The trick for you is to find a good dentist with whom you can discuss all the options, and then decide the best course of action for you.





The current dentist fad is to try and save teeth at all costs - trouble is, it is your cost, and with decent inlays, crowns and bridges rolling in at £300 plus each it soon adds up !





So shop around for an established dental practice and take it from there.





Good luck !