I’m a little concerned about my dentist’s recommendation and just wanted to get an opinion from someone who won’t make any money from my decision. My teeth started falling out because of gum disease. My dentist said the best replacement is dental implants. The only thing that worries me about this option is the fact that my teeth fell out. Will the implants fall out too or is there a way to keep them in?
Olivia – Nevada
Olivia,
I’m astounded that you’re making such an important connection and your dentist, who is paid and educated in dental care, couldn’t seem to make it. If you have gum disease, you can’t get dental implants. Just like your natural teeth fell out as a result of the gum disease, so will the dental implants.
That means you’ll have all that surgery for nothing. Then, if you want to re-do the procedure it will require bone grafting before the repeated surgery.
It doesn’t mean you can’t get dental implants eventually. The one thing your dentist was right about is they are the best tooth replacement. You just need some healthy gums first. In your place, I’d recommend you get a denture temporarily while they make treating your gum disease a priority. It’s extremely important you get the gum disease under control. You don’t want to lose all of your teeth.
There are two types of dentures your dentist can make. The traditional way to make removable partial dentures is with metal clasps to attach it to your other teeth. With you losing teeth, I don’t want extra strain on them. Instead, I’d recommend you have a denture made that has holes for your natural teeth. This will protect them from the additional strain.
I hope this helps with your decision making.
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