Teeth Dilema

[FlDebra]

I have been having constant teeth problems for the past several years. I guess it is partly due to having chronic pancretitis and all the GERD that goes along with that. My meds are also a problem to teeth. But it has been a constant stream of dental appointments and we never get caught up. They schedule me for a couple of fillings and by the time the appointment comes, I have 3 or 4 more or one breaks and we have to put off the fillings to do the emergency. My teeth are literally breaking off! I have already had 2 root canals and pulled a couple out of frustration, then had to pay for a very expensive bridge!

I just upgraded my dental insurance but it still maxes out at $1200 a year. I was so frustrated at my last tooth breaking off and finding it too needed a root canal and crown, that I asked if they could just pull them all and give me dentures. The dentist did not want to do that. Then I asked if they could just knock me out and do all the work needed at once so I could finally have a healthy mouth. They referred me to someone who does just that. But...... I went yesterday for the estimate and it was $6,700 and change!!! This after I spent $5000 out of pocket this past year trying to fix them a little at a time (a big piece of that was the bridge), and never getting ahead of the problem.

This brings me to my dilema.... this dentist did not want to pull my teeth either as he said I have such a good root system???? But virtually every tooth has a cavity. My own acids and meds are eating them up! So, if I go ahead and fix them all, that will get a lot of the bacteria out of my mouth and maybe slow down this horrible erosion. But.....what if it doesn't and my teeth just keep decaying at this rapid rate? I can't go off my meds and I will always have this disgusting chronic pancreatitis so....should I really spend this much money on my mouth?

Anyone that has pulled theirs and gone to dentures? What do you think about the decision? I don't even know for sure I can find a dentist to do it. But I am just so reluctant to spend this large an amount if they are going to keep going bad. If I thought it would be done with, sure, but I think I am going to just have to keep fighting the battle.

I just do not know what to do. I used to have such great teeth. Dentists asked me more than once if I had worn braces and then were surprised the answer was no. They were straight and nice and now they are ...so NOT!

[Nancy1999]

So sorry this is happening, isn't there any type of rinse you can use that will restore some type of balance to your mouth? My mother was in her 60's when she opted for dentures. Because of diabetes she did not heal well, and while she thought it would be a cure all, it was anything but. If there is anyway you can manage it, I'd do the put me to sleep routine. I know that Credit Care also does other type of loans beside vet loans and they are interest free. Also, there might be some sort of dental school that might give you a better break. I've heard of some people who are very happy with their dentures, but usually they got them at a younger age, and had no gum problems. I think I'd give it one last shot with your natural teeth, and then if nothing works, at least you would know you tried everything. By the way, do you have confidence in your dentist, and his treatment?

[speleogirl37]

I would definitely find a dental school in your area! My son just went through dental surgery Fri. He had teeth removed and some crowns. He was put under. We took him to the University of Maryland Dental School. He has always been very difficult when going to the dentist, we had him to 3 different dentist, none wanted to deal with him. The last one wanted to do the surgery, and get everything done in one shot, but would not touch him til we paid in advance over $4000. A friend told us about UMDS, and they did it for less than half, and needed NO money upfront.

[FlDebra]

Nancy -- yes I have a really good dentist, one of my good friends is his assistant. He doesn't do the "put to sleep/get it all done at once" procedure but he highly recommends the dentist that will do it. I met with him and really liked him and his staff. They did give me forms for Care Credit but he will only do the 6 months no interest. Since my money is not really earning much in the bank, it is not that big a deal to just pay it at once or pay in 6 installments. I won't be losing much interest. I am 56 but I have no gum problems. I need 3 more root canals and crowns plus a LOT of fillings. I also need another $3000 bridge but I told them that could wait til next year. Thta $6700 is only the dentist and the endodontist -- the hospital will be another $3000+ but they are sending in letters that this is medically necessary to see if my medical coverage will cover the hospital/anesthesia portion. But I may have to pay thta if they turn it down. Can you believe this? So much money in my mouth! Dentures are looking so good...... but what if I have problems with them. IDK!

Angie -- We don't have a dental school near us. But that would be a good idea. Glad your son got to take advantage of that. When we were growing up (six kids in the family) my mom used to take us all to the dental school. She kept us all up to date on dental cleanings, exams and any work needed. I don't know how she did it with six! But the dental school was a big help to us.

[Sammy Mommy]

Is there a teaching hospital near you? When I was in dental assistant school we did the clinical portion of the class at the dental department of the hospital. We worked with resident dentists but everyone was supervised by attending dentists. They worked on a sliding scale payment depending on your income level. Please try to save your teeth. There is nothing like having your own natural teeth. Good luck in your decision.

[ritapatt]

My husbands teeth are a never ending state of fixing,crowning and bridging.It costs way too much and he can never get ahead of it.The only places I've found are Southeastern in Ft Lauderdale and UF at Gainesville. I feel your frustration, they say there is nothing like your own teeth even tho patched and pieced...

[Patti]

I feel your pain. I have terrible teeth. I am 58 and have never gone to the dentist and heard no cavities! I have been suffering for 2 weeks with the worst pressure in my left side. Went to my dentist and needed emergency root canal Wednesday and need a new crown and bone work done. Just those will cost 2300 +. I asked my dentist about pulling the tooth and he said I could as he knows I have no dental insurance anymore and financial was a consideration. I thought about it for a few minutes and decided to go ahead and have the root canal and crown. I had a dear friend who had dentures, and she hated them. She eventually spent a fortune on having implants done. My dad had them and had no problems. I will probably keep fixing mine until I can't afford it. Good luck.

[kjc]

I started brushing with toothpaste and a few drops of Coconut oil... the oil has antibacterial properties and coats the teeth. Last month I bit down wrong and a tooth became loose and oh so painful... I used Coconut oil on it and the gums and it kept it painfree and the tooth is no longer loose (still in my mouth). The company I get my oil from even carries a Coconut based toothpaste...

[Ringo1]

There are a lot of dental websites out there where people post about their experiences with dentures, teeth problems, implants, you name it.

I used to spend quite a bit of time researching when I had a failed dental implant. It was so devestating to go through all that pain for nothing; that led to a jawbone infection that was misdiagnosed . . but I digress.

Dentures seem to be a wonderful thing for some people and others have a really hard time adjusting.

Look around on the net and you will find many, many people who share your problem.

[chachi]

I have dentures and if I had to do it over again I would put the money into my teeth. Dentures are very unnatural feeling in your mouth and i am constantly having to go back and have them shave off some in the back because they gag me. Dont get dentures unless you absolutely need to

[misslissa]

well i dont have this problem personally but a few years ago my dad who is a mechanic had a car fall on his face and break out almost all of his front teeth he had to have them all removed and he got dentures he wont wear them he puts them in for eating out in restaurants holiday meals and if he knows there will be pictures taken any other time he just leaves them sit on the bathroom counter so based on his experience i would say try to fix your teeth