What to do about my teeth.
April 25, 2017 6:57 AM Subscribe
About 3.5 years ago, I fell down a flight of stairs and knocked out two of my teeth. (0/10 do not recommend.) The dentist reimplanted the avulsed teeth, but they were out of my mouth for over an hour and we knew this would not be a permanent solution. Sure enough, it looks like the time is coming for me to consider other options...
The teeth in question are numbers 7 and 8 - my right front tooth and the one to its immediate right. I broke number 9 (my left front tooth) but the root wasn't damaged and that tooth is healthy.
My most recent x-rays and CBCT scan show that the roots of the avulsed teeth have been significantly resorbed, which means I need to make some decisions about what to do next. My dentist has presented me with three options but I'm having a hard time deciding:
1- Dental implants. Obviously this is the best way to end up with teeth that are as functional as my pre-avulsion teeth. I'm not worried about the pain or time frame, but the cost is really steep and my insurance only covers 50% of this procedure. I can afford it without too much pain, but I'm sensitive to keeping as much cash on hand as possible because I want to be sure I can provide for my elderly lab as he ages (he's 12.5 right now).
2- Bridge. I don't like this option because my smile has a lot of character that I want to maintain. I have a gap between my two front teeth that I really like and want to preserve.
3- Partial denture ("Flipper"). This is the cheapest and least-invasive option. I'm not too worried about aesthetics - several dentists have assured me that they can replicate my natural tooth and gum coloring in the lab - or about eating - I already avoid things like biting into a whole apple. But I am worried about kissing and other intimate activity. My dad has a flipper and he assured me that it's never come out of place during kissing, but I'm not super keen on asking my father, cool though he is, if I could give my boyfriend a blowjob with a flipper.
Other things to consider: Some people have suggested I get the flipper now and then do the implants down the line if I hate the flipper. My dentists have discouraged this, since once the teeth are removed from the jaw I will start to lose bone mass and may need a bone graft, which would add months to the already lengthy implant timeline.
What would you do?
The teeth in question are numbers 7 and 8 - my right front tooth and the one to its immediate right. I broke number 9 (my left front tooth) but the root wasn't damaged and that tooth is healthy.
My most recent x-rays and CBCT scan show that the roots of the avulsed teeth have been significantly resorbed, which means I need to make some decisions about what to do next. My dentist has presented me with three options but I'm having a hard time deciding:
1- Dental implants. Obviously this is the best way to end up with teeth that are as functional as my pre-avulsion teeth. I'm not worried about the pain or time frame, but the cost is really steep and my insurance only covers 50% of this procedure. I can afford it without too much pain, but I'm sensitive to keeping as much cash on hand as possible because I want to be sure I can provide for my elderly lab as he ages (he's 12.5 right now).
2- Bridge. I don't like this option because my smile has a lot of character that I want to maintain. I have a gap between my two front teeth that I really like and want to preserve.
3- Partial denture ("Flipper"). This is the cheapest and least-invasive option. I'm not too worried about aesthetics - several dentists have assured me that they can replicate my natural tooth and gum coloring in the lab - or about eating - I already avoid things like biting into a whole apple. But I am worried about kissing and other intimate activity. My dad has a flipper and he assured me that it's never come out of place during kissing, but I'm not super keen on asking my father, cool though he is, if I could give my boyfriend a blowjob with a flipper.
Other things to consider: Some people have suggested I get the flipper now and then do the implants down the line if I hate the flipper. My dentists have discouraged this, since once the teeth are removed from the jaw I will start to lose bone mass and may need a bone graft, which would add months to the already lengthy implant timeline.
What would you do?
I would go with the dental implants. They sound like the best option for functionality of your teeth.
posted by cabbagesnkings at 7:01 AM on April 25, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by cabbagesnkings at 7:01 AM on April 25, 2017 [4 favorites]
Implants for you (and CareCredit for your dog, if it turns out that's necessary and the best option for him and you in the future).
posted by supercres at 7:03 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by supercres at 7:03 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
Implants. See if you can get on a payment plan for the balance, or negotiate a reduction as a benefit of paying in full (usually 5-7%).
posted by cooker girl at 7:05 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by cooker girl at 7:05 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
I lost those same teeth in a car accident and wore a flipper for over a year while waiting for bone and gum grafts to heal until I could get implants. Flippers are fine temporarily but are not really meant to be permanent--like do you want to be missing front teeth for the rest of your life? They're called flippers bc you can flip them right out, they're not attached or anything. They are like a pink plastic retainer with plastic teeth attached that you take out at night.
I highly recommend getting implants if you can afford it, and I'm happy to answer any questions about implants or flippers.
posted by leesh at 7:13 AM on April 25, 2017
I highly recommend getting implants if you can afford it, and I'm happy to answer any questions about implants or flippers.
posted by leesh at 7:13 AM on April 25, 2017
Implants. The only downside is the cost and you have the money. This is a daily quality of life issue; a permanent fix that you won't have to think about down the line is worth it.
posted by metasarah at 7:17 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by metasarah at 7:17 AM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the great input so far!
Flippers are fine temporarily but are not really meant to be permanent...They're called flippers bc you can flip them right out, they're not attached or anything. They are like a pink plastic retainer with plastic teeth attached that you take out at night.
Just to clarify, I know what flippers are. I also know several people for whom they are a permanent solution. Which is why I'm asking this question.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 7:22 AM on April 25, 2017
Flippers are fine temporarily but are not really meant to be permanent...They're called flippers bc you can flip them right out, they're not attached or anything. They are like a pink plastic retainer with plastic teeth attached that you take out at night.
Just to clarify, I know what flippers are. I also know several people for whom they are a permanent solution. Which is why I'm asking this question.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 7:22 AM on April 25, 2017
Best answer: Ah, sorry, I know you said that, I just don't know if they are a great permanent solution for you--I mean not to be crude, but you would have to take it out to give a blow job for sure.
posted by leesh at 7:37 AM on April 25, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by leesh at 7:37 AM on April 25, 2017 [3 favorites]
I overwhelmingly endorse implants. My paternal grandmother started losing her teeth after pregnancy in her 30s and always remarked about her inability at the time to have proper implants. Her dentures were beyond a pain for her in the late 50s/60s and as she aged and could afford far better options, her gums and jawbones could no longer support implants. Another relative, similarly, has opted to pull teeth out for a number of years and do the low-cost patch job and regrets it enormously because again, as he aged and made more income, he could have opted for implants but his jaw could no longer support them with the finagling the previous dental work had done to the support structure.
I always insist that if you have the money, you put on your own oxygen mask first. You fix your teeth to the standard you most need. Care credit and income will improve that future animal situation and your elderly furbaby will be taken care of - but time becomes of an essence where your actual smile is concerned. Your smile is important to you ( "...because my smile has a lot of character that I want to maintain")and is the first line of welcoming. Trust that you will be incredibly pleased with the end result and it will increase your quality of living exponentially.
posted by missh at 7:40 AM on April 25, 2017 [5 favorites]
I always insist that if you have the money, you put on your own oxygen mask first. You fix your teeth to the standard you most need. Care credit and income will improve that future animal situation and your elderly furbaby will be taken care of - but time becomes of an essence where your actual smile is concerned. Your smile is important to you ( "...because my smile has a lot of character that I want to maintain")and is the first line of welcoming. Trust that you will be incredibly pleased with the end result and it will increase your quality of living exponentially.
posted by missh at 7:40 AM on April 25, 2017 [5 favorites]
Implants. You can afford it now, yet circumstances may change for you in the future. Having functional teeth affects your entire body and overall health. This is not just a cosmetic decision. I know you love your dog, but this is an immediate need and he has a future possible need. Implant.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 7:42 AM on April 25, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by PorcineWithMe at 7:42 AM on April 25, 2017 [5 favorites]
Best answer: if I could give my boyfriend a blowjob with a flipper.
Nooooo.
I'm only missing #7 (only a few more months before my implant procedure is finished!) , but having a hole there gives me extra tooth surface area to worry about making contact with and makes it far less enjoyable.
I know flippers are permanent solutions for some but I'm almost 20 years older than you are and I couldn't imagine going the rest of my life worrying about losing/breaking the darn thing. It does look pretty natural, though.
My vote is for implants.
posted by kimberussell at 7:46 AM on April 25, 2017 [2 favorites]
Nooooo.
I'm only missing #7 (only a few more months before my implant procedure is finished!) , but having a hole there gives me extra tooth surface area to worry about making contact with and makes it far less enjoyable.
I know flippers are permanent solutions for some but I'm almost 20 years older than you are and I couldn't imagine going the rest of my life worrying about losing/breaking the darn thing. It does look pretty natural, though.
My vote is for implants.
posted by kimberussell at 7:46 AM on April 25, 2017 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Alright, I'm sold. :) Emailing my dentist now about the implants! Thanks everyone.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 7:56 AM on April 25, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by schroedingersgirl at 7:56 AM on April 25, 2017 [3 favorites]
Someone above noted CareCredit -- my dentist takes CareCredit for human teeth, it's not just for pets, if you're worried about large money amounts and aren't afraid of credit, CareCredit is easy and isn't a particularly sleazy lender.
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:35 PM on April 25, 2017
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:35 PM on April 25, 2017
I lost teeth 8 and 9 several years ago and got a bridge. I have zero regrets. It has been trouble free and wasn't nearly as invasive as implants.
posted by LoveHam at 2:11 PM on April 25, 2017
posted by LoveHam at 2:11 PM on April 25, 2017
Implants aren't without potential complications (I should know, I have one on #9 right in front). You have to maintain good oral/gum health to prevent gum disease or other infections around the implant (peri-implantitis), which can be awful. That was an issue for me early on; luckily I worked out a regimen to effectively clean deep up under my gums around the implant (I know, gross) and prevent that from occurring again. Another thing that can come up with implants in the "aesthetic zone" is that the implant itself may be successful, but your gums are not necessarily going to look perfectly natural depending on the state of your underlying bone structure which can change after tooth loss/resorption. The fine interdental papilla (the narrowest portions of your gums may no longer be present to the same extent, leading to more space between teeth). So I guess that it's good that your smile already included a gap! Still, this is something I would talk about with your dentist. Some people with a lot of missing gum tissue in the aesthetic zone have implant-support bridges that incorporate pink porcelain to replace that missing gum tissue (I don't think this is especially common)--same goes for some people who have traditional bridges. Finally, I would say that if your oral surgeon or dentist suggests a high-resolution CT scan be done before the implant surgery, you should do it, even though it costs more. This really allows them to do the best possible job in placing your implant.
I am not a dentist, just someone who obsessed in misery about this for a long time. My smile is not perfect, by my implant is probably the strongest "tooth" in my mouth! And the porcelain tooth itself is really a beautiful work of art!
posted by bennett being thrown at 4:32 PM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
I am not a dentist, just someone who obsessed in misery about this for a long time. My smile is not perfect, by my implant is probably the strongest "tooth" in my mouth! And the porcelain tooth itself is really a beautiful work of art!
posted by bennett being thrown at 4:32 PM on April 25, 2017 [1 favorite]
CareCredit also typically offers a 6 month no interest window. My wife (a dentist) recommends it to patients and we personally used it for our labrador's surgery.
posted by donnagirl at 12:16 PM on May 2, 2017
posted by donnagirl at 12:16 PM on May 2, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by warriorqueen at 7:00 AM on April 25, 2017 [15 favorites]