While on the subject, I've been wondering how it is that kids can look so cute with their missing teeth while I've been more than self conscious about the gap in my teeth. For just a moment here, I forgot I was not wearing that uncomfortable flipper tooth.
It all began last fall with a hint of a toothache which I ignored until one day, as I took a bite into a hamburger, I felt a sharp crack and knew something was very wrong. It was then I went to get it checked out and was told my tooth had split right down to the tip of the root and had to be pulled. Ouch!
So the plan was to pull it and put in a dental implant at the same time. A dental implant is a permanent screw that gets put into the jaw bone to hold a new tooth. However, once my tooth was out, the periodontist realized that he would have to do a bone graft to allow for enough bone to hold the screw intact. That was the worst part of the whole procedure, but hey, after childbirth and such . . . we can handle things like this, right? It took the first six months of this year for the skin graft and bone to set and heal, during which time I wore a flipper tooth, which drove me a little crazy because I could not eat with it. Did you know that eating seems to be part of any good time and that is exactly when you want to wear it?
This last week, we were finally able to do the actual implant and now we wait for the bone to fuse with this screw. In the meantime he put on a temporary tooth which I am not to bite on just yet. I should be able to get a new (final) tooth in the fall. Phew! (if only I had known)
Now, usually there are a few other non-invasive options, one being a bridge. The idea of a bridge, while less painful in process, did not appeal to me because of the extra flossing, stress on the crown next to it and potential bone loss that happens in an area of a missing tooth. Generally speaking, the dentist will encourage you to get an implant if you have a good insurance plan . . . or a generous tooth fairy . . . and I am hoping our self directed insurance plan will be just that. Wishing all the best to those of you who have this on your calendar.
10 comments:
Oh dear - if only the Tooth Fairy could wave a magic wand and make the whole process over and done in an instant! I know you'll be very happy to have it all finished in the fall - but BIG SYMPATHY in the meantime!
It really is quite a process. Glad you were a brave girl and I do think you deserve a treat for enduring that! :)
I have lost my tooth (almost exactly where your's is - one tooth back) and my dentist did not encourage me at all to do anything - I hate that it shows when I smile and that food get's caught in the hole when I chew - ugh! I really should do some further research on this procedure. My vanity hurts the most I think :).
We should have all sent the tooth fairy your way for a wee little surprise under your pillow:) Glad that is behind you...what a process. Insurance sure would be nice!
Hope the next stage is pain-free.
During my uni years, I, a single-parent, needed to have fixed bridges. It was all done by a student dentist, under supervision of a professor dentist. Because I was so low-income, they allowed me to pay by the month.
It worked out well. No problems in 30 yrs, and none anywhere in my mouth.
Just so others know there's an option, if they still offer it where you live. I keep my teeth clean with those little bristly sticks you buy in a package. Much prefer them to floss.
Ah, I feel your pain. I have been through much the same experience and it is awful how long each stage takes. I had the problem on both sides of my mouth so chewing got to be a real problem! I hope yours goes quickly and well!
Here's hoping it all turns out for the best in the end...and that the insurance tooth fairy covers the costs. Quite the ordeal!
Same thing happened to my husband, same tooth, too.
Only he chose not to get a replacement.
We call it his Hillbilly tooth!
Those "flippers" take some determination to wear and letting the gaps show is humbling. Boy do I know...I have the same side tooth out waiting for the bone graft to firm up. I skipped the flipper. There are actually two teeth out there. On the other side not in view I have the metal in place and hopefully that will have a tooth attached soon. Three implants going on at once has been painful physically, financially and to my pride as well. BUT...deeply grateful implants are possible!
You have a great smile even with a gap!
Since I am still a candidate for an implant, this post interested me. Fortunately, my missing tooth is back further, and at this point, I have put off the implant, because at the same time, I will be having my wisdom teeth removed, and my summer plans do not allow for it all:) You are blessed though, because you look good even with a missing tooth! Someday, we both be through with these dental processes. Best wishes!
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