hi there,
Long story short, My mum and my mom’s mother both had periodontal disease. My Nan had the gum treatment done that costs a few thousand, and lost all her teeth anyways. My mum put crowns on all of her top teeth. Her teeth disintegrated underneath and she ended up getting dentures also. This was when she was about 40 though. I also have periodontal disease. I have had it for a few years. So I went to a new dentist, he seems pretty honest. He did a very thorough evaluation and said I have 14 cavities on my upper teeth, 2 are in the middle of a root canal, and I would need 2 more root canals on the other side. I have 6 cavities on the bottom. He said to do things right and not do patchwork that is only really a temporary fix he would do like an overhaul on my mouth…and that my top teeth would pretty much all need crowns…the total with my insurance came too $17,000. Which I absolutely do not have. Not even close. So my mom and I were talking, and she thinks I should just go ahead and get a snap on full denture up top, and then get fillings on the cavities on the bottom. She says she went the crown route and ended up with dentures anyways…and her mom did the gum treatment and same thing. She said neither of them had teeth as bad as mine at my age (I’m 24). She thinks even if I had the $17,000 to do it…it would be a waste. What do you think? I am scared about having no upper teeth at my age. Yet, the dentist told me if I do not take care of the teeth now I will be looking at serial extractions within the next couple of years.
Hi, wow, you are describing an impressive scenario here! But let’s put things in the right place. Ok! You have family history of “poorly” controlled periodontal disease. You suffer from periodontal disease. In addition you have an apparently highly cariogenic activity leading to a number of cavities on your teeth.
These are 2 different dental diseases; caries and gum disease. Both are caused by bacteria, different type of bacteria, yes! but bacteria!
You need to treat the cavities to restore dental health and function (chew) and prevent further pulp infections (pain, abscesses, etc…), which lead to root canal treatments and more and more expensive restorative work…You should carefully evaluate your diet, look for hidden sugars and carbs that can feed into your susceptibility. Your dentist/hygienist should help you with this. It is very important that the fillings/crowns are of very good quality when it comes to its margins (no ledges or undercuts), so that they do not constitute “plaque traps” and “favor” the gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a disease that can be controlled, given the appropriate treatment and regular maintenance over time. This is particularly true and predictable if you have a healthy lifestyle (I’m talking about smoking/drinking/drugs/stress, etc…). You need to commit to its control, for as long as you want to keep your teeth, no compromises!
Caries is a disease that has a cure, it can be stopped and eradicated and its consequences, the cavities, can be restored with more or less expensive materials/techniques.
Bottom line!! I too, would be horrified with the prospect of wearing dentures, at any age….
Discuss your options with your dentist, look into treatment strategies and explore the best value for your money. But my best advice is: try to keep your teeth, in health, for as long as possible.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
