Hi, yesterday I visited one of the "Top3" dentists, which I understand are the top dentists in the country. Anyway, I have developed an open bite over the past few months from night clenching... which also was identified as the main cause of a recent diagnosis of periodontitis. I was treated for TMJ years ago, and thought it had resolved itself, so ditched the splint after chewing through several. Anyway, the recommended treatment is a full mouth restoration with some type of properly aligned crowns on ALL my teeth. The estimated "discounted" price for all this work is $70k... give or take a few thou. I am 45 and have two kids in college and two foster children, so there is really no way I can afford this sum.
Although I have a few old fillings/crowns that need replacing, I think crowning ALL my teeth is a bit much. Yet, the dentist claimed this was a conservative treatment!? With generalized pockets of 5-8mm on the majority of my molars, and no pocketing on front teeth, I really do not view this as a conservative treatment. It seems to me that the gum inflammation caused my back teeth to "rise", creating this 'new bite'. I do have a couple of slightly loose teeth #16 and 15 that were classified as having class 1 mobility. I am trying to be proactive and sought out perioscopic cleaning and had emdogain applied to all root surfaces. My Periotherapist saw nothing wrong with my wisdom teeth, yet the reconstruction includes yanking them. I am frantically trying to find an alternate solution. I frankly abhor these manufactured smiles and think spending this amount of money on a "shaky" foundation is really not the best way to address this problem. Yet, the high-pressure tactics of the dentist remind me of used-car salesmen. They suggested my husband come with me for the treatment plan, and basically suggested that if he loved me, he would find the financing to get this done.
The 2mm open bite is not objectionable to me, however, the TMJ is now returning after being stable for the past 10 years. What else can be done in this situation? I am seeking a second opinion, but, I read these boards and believe the pros here dispense some great advice. I'm thinking that the rear teeth may recede once the perio inflammation calms down... or, that the rear molars could be filed down a bit.
Another specialist in occlusion had suggested an upper and lower orthotic might be the answer. However, this individual is across the country from me, so they referred me to the dentist that is suggesting the above course of action. Their main specialty is cosmetics which concerns me. I am not prepared to go into hawk for one of these manufactured smiles that look like dentures to me! The dentist in question said this was the ONLY solution, but I think grinding my teeth down to nubs, with the possibility that I could end up losing them to perio is a fairly risky gamble. As much as it pains me to think about it, I am considering dentures. I just think there has to be another solution, and that my rear molars may settle down once the perio is more stable. Other than dentures, any suggestions of what else I might consider?...