Terrifying News !!

[Bethisawreck]

I have been a total wreck and cannot concentrate on anything after visiting the dentist 2days ago! Another 8hrs spent today at the computer searching in desperate hope of finding an alternative to losing all my top teeth due to peridontal disease. I have 2 bridges in place (either side of the 2 front teeth)and the rest are all crowned, the bridge came loose after been in place for over 20yrs, i thought the dentist could just re-cement this and off i went to the dentist!  I left in tears, with no bridge repair, after been told the tooth (crown) that was supporting the bridge had seriously decayed and he thought it best to JUST LOSE all the top teeth because of peridontal disease!! I have had no pain, the other bridge and crowns all feel very tight sturdy, and still in secure place, no movement of my teeth (no bleeding in my gums) but despite this he wants to remove them all (top) have a denture for a year, and then have implants!  I left in tears, along with an $8,000.00 estimate for the cost of what i will have to pay!  I have been desperately upset, i never expected this news (only wanted the bridge secured) I went to another dentist who has temporarily secured my bridge back by bonding it to the teeth either side.  I desperately dont want to lose all my teeth and dont have $8k to pay for this even if i did want to have this done!  Is there anyway i can save my teeth by treating the gum disease, is losing all my teeth really the ONLY OPTION left??? Also would if be possible to buy a dental adhesive im case the bridge comes out again...just to buy me some time?  Apart from all the above, im truly terrified, i just cant get my head around any of it and feel like im losing a limb..please HELP, thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions given.  A very worried Beth.

[Bethisawreck]

Sorry forgot to add who the question was to in my last post, it was for drcm, or anyone that may have had this problem!  Thank you in advance!!

[Bethisawreck]

Thank you so much for your help.

One last question drcm?   If i dont eat on the side where the bridge (that was temporarily bonded just 2days ago)  how long (just to buy me some time)  do you think the bridge could realistically last?? Longer than a week or 2 i hope?  (At present it feels very secure)  I have been so lost and didnt know where to turn for help!!   I have lived here in America after moving from England 5yrs ago, and the dentist ive just seen who wants to remove all my top teeth offended me by saying (in a laughing manner) that we dont probabaly have dental hygenists back home? I informed him that we most certainly do!!  My dentist and hygenist back home in the UK were both wonderful very reassuring, and would talk through any fears i may have had!   Its been quite an expereince, since so many dentists here already have negative preconceived thoughts regarding us brits and their teeth!  Thank you so much for taking the time to address some of my worries, apart from the bridge, i will definately be hanging onto the rest of my teeth, i certainly feel better equipped to ask and discuss these things with yet another dentist on Monday...again THANK YOU!!

[drcm]

It is impossible to tell whether the tooth supporting the bridge can be restored without seeing it and having the relevant radiographs to be honest.  It may well be that it can be.  Or if it is completely unrestorable, it could be taken out and a small partial denture to fill that gap could be made.  This would look just as good as the bridge if not better although it would take some getting used to.  These are all things you can discuss with your dentist.  Try not to worry.  You are in control of what does and does not happen with your teeth

[Bethisawreck]

Thank you so much for your comments, this too was my opinion as (apart from the bridge) all my other teeth are tight and secure!   I am indeed doing my very best to maintain good oral hygeine, is having the bacteria scaped out the only option?  Im been told they cannot recement the bridge either (only temporary bond them that will only last a week or so) this is because the tooth(crown) that is supporting the bridge is decayed and cannot be repaired? Do you know if it is possible to repair or rebuild the decayed tooth(crown)?  I feel like they are giving up too easy by just wanting to remove them!  My main concern right now is the bridge, i see ANOTHER dentist next week and would like to be more prepared this time as to what my options are?  As you said, no one can force me to have them all removed, and i agree if they were loose then i could understand and accept this more, and then take the necessary steps at a later time to have just some removed!  All that been said, my only worry at this time is...what can be done regarding the decayed crown (supporting the bridge), is there any way possible to fix this problem. If so, this would be a huge relief, and i could address the other problems as and when they arise.  Again,  thank you so very much for any help or advice you can give me!  Beth

[drcm]

Your teeth are your own!  No one can force you to have them all taken out!!  Yes periodontal disease is annoying but provide you maintain excellent oral hygeine and don't smoke then you can slow the rate of the disease.  Maybe when the day comes where they become loose you should consider having a couple removed and replaced with a partial denture.  But until then why not hang onto them!