When can you get dentures? - Dental Health Message Board

Healthnut25 · 07-15-2004, 08:56 PM

When can you actually get dentures? Do your teeth literally need to be rotting out? I have horrible teeth, and hate them so much. I have so many filings, way too many to count, and every time I go for a cleaning, I have many more. No matter what I do, they just don't get better. I hate them, and have told the denist in the past to pull them all! Of course he says no, but then again, I don't think he thinks that I am serious. I do not care that they are still good in his eyes, I am tired of them. I am always at the denist, and I am constantly worrying about my teeth. NO JOKE, I am definetly OCD about my teeth. All this trouble I honestly would just rather have false ones already. Many people tell me, no keep them as long as you can, but I am like you don't understand, my life would be so much better, and I would be so happy if they were gone and I had false ones. Anyone else feel this way? Oh I am only in my mid 20's, sad I know, but it's not like I can make them any better. I do what I am supposed to, and they are still getting worse. I have honestly thought about letting them rot out, but I just can't, I obsese too much about them. Any little pain, and I am in the chair that week. I feel so stupid for thinking this way, but I truely cannot help it. Does anyone understand what I mean? Thanks!

dalesgirl · 07-15-2004, 09:03 PM

I was 25 when I got my upper dentures and had to fight the dentist for them even though EVERY SINGLE tooth would of had to be fixed. I later learned it was all due to gum disease. It took a while but my dentist finally consented... the difference is my teeth couldn't be simply filled, we were talking at least 4 root canals and caps. In the beginning he was willing to pull the back ones only and give a partial. I agree though that if fillings work that it's best to keep the teeth you have especially at a young age.

dely1112 · 07-16-2004, 11:42 AM

I am sorry to hear about your problems Healthnut25. So much of what you say matches those of us who have had all our teeth extracted. It's definitely a hard decesion to make, no doubt even more so because of your young age. And, mid-twenties is young, especially for dentures. If you can afford it, go to another dentist, and get a second opinion. Many dentists give free consultations in my area (St. Louis, MO) - so it might not even cost you for this. Dentures are not hassle free/they are just "different". Those of us whose teeth had progressed so far that there was no going back have been given a second life. HOWEVER, with that said, many of us also mourned giving up on our natural teeth..... There are many here with dentures in their 20's, so it is definitely possible. Just make sure you explore all your options. I wish you luck - it's a difficult decision to come to.

Take care,
Debbi

Willy Shawn · 07-19-2004, 11:38 AM

I would listen to your dentist. If all you're needing is feelings and a root canel or two, that is far better than having your teeth extracted.

I'm 30 years old, and just had all my 11 remaining upper teeth extracted and an immediate denture placed. I don't know what happened to my teeth, it was like I woke up one morning and all my teeth were decaying. I saw two dentists who both recommended an upper denture.

It's been 18 days since they were extracted, and I wish I still had my painful, ugly, horrid, decaying, breaking teeth instead of this denture. It's not near as easy to wear as I was led to believe.

Keep the teeth God gave you as long as you can! Dentures should be your very last resort.

Good luck with your teeth,
Willy

Absinthe · 07-19-2004, 12:40 PM

It is far better to have your own natural teeth if they are reasonably healthy, but not so good if they are diseased and a constant source of pain and infection. It all comes down to how much you can afford.

I speak from experience when I say that fixing weak, unhealthy teeth is an expensive (and sometimes painful) undertaking. I inherited horrible teeth from my parents. Because my baby teeth were so weak, they were capped with ugly silver caps when I was only 8 years old. (That does wonders for your self esteem... NOT.)

My adult teeth were not much better. I brushed, flossed, used fluoride as instructed, but every 6 months the dentist would find new decay. Now, almost every tooth in my head now has a crown. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. My expensive crowned teeth are dying one by one and will ultimately need root canals or extractions. I am running out of money and patience. Root canals aren't a permanent fix, and require periodic retreatment to the tune of $1000 or more each time.

I'm mad because I did everything they told me to do, but my teeth still need constant work. I don't trust the dental profession anymore, and I think they are in it solely for the money. They don't care that I've spent many thousands of dollars with very little to show for it.

From now on, I plan on extracting any tooth that gives me problems. Dentures may not be ideal, but it's better than going into debt trying to pay for a lifetime of dental work.