My dentist says that my teeth are hapeless. It feels like almost every appointment he is suggesting that I have a tooth removed and put in a partial denture. I’m only in my 30s and feel like I’m going to run out of teeth like this. Why doesn’t he try to fix the teeth instead of just going straight to pulling them? I go to the dentist twice a year just like I’m supposed to.
Killian
Dear Killian,
The first thing to be aware of is that dentists vary in their willingness to work to save teeth. Some will go to extraordinary lengths. Others will recommend pulling them at the first sign of trouble. I think you are a bit young to be losing so many teeth, especially if you go to the dentist regularly and take care of them at home, which it sounds like you do.
I recommend that you see another dentist in your area and ask them how they feel about the state of your teeth. Do not tell them what your other dentist said. You want an unbiased opinion. In fact, don’t even tell him who your current dentist is. The dental world is a small one and they may be friends. If he or she asks, tell them you are looking for an pure opinion unswayed by who the dentist is or what they said.
Even if you do need to lose a tooth every once in a while, you are not stuck with dentures. There are much more modern tooth replacements that are much better for both your quality of life as well as your jaw health. If I were replacing a tooth, I’d want a dental implant.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Harveer Kaur, an Indian American dentist serving Ahwatukee, Sun Lake, and Chandler.