About Cosmetic Dentistry Discussion : Re: I need a solution!! =(

About Cosmetic Dentistry Discussion
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Re: I need a solution!! =(

Posted by cs on 4/13/2012, 1:34 am, in reply to "I need a solution!! =("

Claire . . . I had a similar problem, though it started with an abcess on my left central incisor that required a root canal when I was just 13. The tooth was so infected, the novacaine did not take, so the dentist just went ahead and completed the r.c. without it.

Then, as often happens with teeth that have been root canaled, mine eventually became brittle. By that time I was an adult with two young sons, and a new dentist who urged me to let him crown it. But remembering how much pain that tooth had caused me before, I was afraid to even think about it. A few weeks later, our younger son stood up too quickly . . .bumped the top ofhis head into the bottom of my chin . . . and fractured the tooth vertically — all the way up to the tip of the root and surrounding bone.

It took my dentist 6 hours to save the tooth, but he did — with a post and crown. It wasn't perfect cosmetically or functionally, but did manage to stay attached to what was left of the natural tooth for about 25 years. .. when it finally became so loose, it could no longer be saved. So I found a new dentist who specialized in implants.

My only hesitation at the time was the likelihood that I would need a "flipper" . . . a temporary false tooth that looks just like a real one, but has to be removed for eating and at bedtime.

But luckily, there was a way around that. Instead of a traditional implant like the one you described (which takes months for the site to heal before a permanent crown can be attached), my new "implant dentist" was able to provide one that allowed a crown to be loaded onto it immediately.

While that kind of restoration might not be within your budget, a flipper might be. And though they are intended for short-term use, I've know people who have worn them for years.

Also, if you really want an implant and have a job, another option might be a loan from Care Credit,, which has special funds for medical and dental care. They also have several repayment programs ranging from zero interest to others with higher rates, depending on how much you are able to pay each month. The dentist working with you can make the referral on your behalf.