:o I went to my dentist a couple of weeks ago and he told me because of my braces that I had as a child that they shorten my roots on my top teeth and that he can't believe that I still have them (they all have crowns) and that because my eye-tooth which is why I was there had broke down the middle of the tooth, and he felt that a root canel was not a good option due to my front teeth he stated that it would not be worth the time an money and that I should just get all of my top teeth pulled and get a denture. But he wants to wait 2 to 3 months for the gums to heal before I get the dentures. I work as a CSR on the phone all day and Iam worried that not having teeth for 2 to 3 months will effect my job due to there are bonus for giving good service to our members and how can I give that if they can't understand me talking. Iam going to try to get short term disablity for the pulling but that is even iffy, Iam so scared I will lose my job over this for failing calls, Plus not to happy about having to go to work with no teeth, dentist opinion is that because of my mouth it is best to wait for the dentures plus my insurance will only pay for dentures once in five years, he says well at least I don't work in the public ya only the other 250 people who work in the same building as me. Iam so upset I have been having panic attacks about this. Please someone tell me anything about how it will be with no teeth.

Hi , why don't you seek the advice of another dentist ? where do you live? If your crowns look fine, according to your post above, if they don't cause you pain and they feel solid, no rocking etc., and your gums are in good shape, then why have them pulled, and change dentist VERY FAST. Better to keep your teeth as long as you can. Now you probably will have to spend more money keeping these teeth in good shape. If you pull your top teeth only, your speech will still be good, it might be a little harder to pronounce V's and F's, but other that that no one should be able to heard the difference over the phone. Good luck Marti

Hi Zashel,

Ask your dentist about an immediate denture. With this type of denture the teeth are pulled and the denture put in the mouth on the same day. The denture is made ahead of time based on impressions that are made while you still have natural teeth in your mouth. Most people only need a few days to a week to recover enough to return to work.

If your dentist is unable to provide you with an immediate denture you'll have to find another dentist who will. Immediate dentures are the most common so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a dentist able to do it.

But before you commit to dentures make sure you absolutely need them. Save your natural teeth if it's physically and financially practical. You might want to consider getting a second opinion as Marti suggested. Good luck!

Yos

the problem is that if the dentist pulls the eye tooth that the tooth next to it roots are very short maybe a 1/4 inch or less above the gum line and he feels it will loosen that tooth plus they do wiggle and if he pulls it an leaves it blank he feels the other teeth will shift and cause the front teeth to fall out. We also talked about a particle but he feels that the presser on the remaining teeth would cause me to loose them, due to braces I had all 4 of my bicuspes pull and all my wisdom teeth and have lose 3 molars on top so with only 7 teeth remaining he feels it is best, and this is a second opinion, he also stated due to having a bone that sticks out on the top of my mouth that my need to be shaved down that it is in my best interest to wait to make sure I get the proper fit and as above I also have a very small mouth, plus my dental ins. will only pay for 1 set of dentures every 5 yrs.

I am having mine extracted in intervals. First upper back on the left side one month, then upper backs on the right side. Which leaves the very front ones until all the back areas heal before having final ones up front removed. It is a little difficult learning to chew with no upper back teeth but I have learned to compensate. Then when I have the final front ones removed, she said a week off from work was gracious plenty to get adjusted to the imediate denture they will put in. This is just a thought for you. I know since you are a CSR, you have to talk on the phone alot and having no teeth could be a problem. I agree, you should consult another dentist and explain your situation and I'm sure they can work out an option that would better suit you. But foremost, if you have teeth that can be saved.....go that route first. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Hi

I had to have all my teeth extracted about a year ago and my dentist also advised me to wait about three months for my gums to heal before being fitted with dentures. Also my medical plan was quite limited and would not have paid for immediates as well as the permanents. Admittedly it was a huge adjustment and took a while to get used to being toothless. My speech was affected and thankfully my colleagues shielded me from having to deal with the public. One does adapt however and when I spoke on the phone very few people could tell I had no teeth. I just learnt to adjust my speechto the point where I could master the "s" and "f"'s without giving away the fact I had no teeth. In retrospect I am glad I went ahead with the treatment and have beautifully fitting dentures today. The healing time passes so quickly that before you know it you will have your new teeth. Good luck with your decision. I'm sure your colleagues, like mine, will afford you every support possible. I can guarantee you that you won't lose any clients as it will be very difficult for them to detect that you don't have any upper teeth over the phone.

All the very best. Keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers
Charms

I am shaking my head at the thought of pulling all of your top teeth. I would definitely advise you to get a second opinion. Ask friends and family who they see and if they are happy with their dental care.
Good Luck!

Jackie

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