Loss of front tooth - Dental Health Message Board

anniet82 · 06-18-2005, 07:44 AM

Hello,
I have just found this site and was hoping someone might be able to offer some advice! To cut a long story short I recently had to have my front tooth extracted, I had suffered with it for 2 years with numerous failed root canals and lots of pain. Relectuantly I had it removed and currently have a little temporary denuture, a sort of small plate with a single tooth on it. I was really surpised how good it looked, I was told I needed to have it for a number of months while the gum healed. It's been about 2 months now and the plate isn't fitting all that well anymore. The gum has shrunk a lot and gone darker in colour and the false tooth sort of sits above the gum line. This is only really noticeable to me but I just wondered if anyone knew if this is normal?

I am picking up a new plate next week as a spare in case I break this one and the mould for that was done more recently so am hoping that will fit better. Eventually, I will have to have a bridge done to restore the tooth permanatly, has anyone had this done on a front tooth and can reasure me that the final tooth looks good and that it sits up against the gum line like a real tooth. This has really been worrying me and although my dentist is really good, it would be really nice to hear from someone who has had similar done with positive results!

singsong · 06-21-2005, 03:40 AM

I too, had to undergo extraction of a front (upper) tooth #10 - if you know where that is. Well, I have been tramautized ever since, because of the cosmetic complication to say the least. It is not visible (gap) if I speak carefully but if I laugh, forget it! AND I think a lot of things are funny so need I say more! My process takes so long and I still have to wait several weeks until I get my partial. Its very hard to deal with. Its been 32 days today without it!

I don't work so I can kind of hide until I get the work done. From what everyone says, they love that thing called the "flipper" but its not made for permanent wear. Not strong enough or something. My dentist says the partial is the most stable and reliable. No one wans their front tooth flipping out in conversation!

Anyhow, I am getting all my dental work done (crowns, root canals, extractions, deep cleaning, etc.) I need an upper and lower partial. I suspect it will be late August-Sept. before I have everything I need. Sorry I didn't respond to exactly what you needed, but I share your front tooth gap situation! Maybe there's a support group just for us! HA! Good luck!

kusum · 06-21-2005, 04:17 AM

My front tooth #8 is loose owing to perio and my doctor asked me to extract it asap. I was terrified, like you both, because is in the front. I did not extract it (since there is no pain) and now trying some herbal treatment. I have not gone to the doctor since (5 weeks). I plan on next week and see if he perceives any improvement.

anniet82 · 06-22-2005, 06:38 AM

Thanks both for your responses, it's very reassuring that I am not alone! I appreciate your comments.

I know lots of people have problems with their top front teeth or accidents like me and have to have them extracted and is actually more common that you'd think. I think it makes a real difference when you have a good dentist. My dentist here in the UK really is great. I have an appointment with him tomorrow so will have a good chat with him then. I suspect that the little plate that I have is fitting badly now as the mouth and gums change a lot when you have a tooth extracted, especially in the first few months. I'm hoping this is normal and that a new one will fit better until I get it permanantly restored. It may be that the 'false' tooth never really sits perfectly up against the gum, but i'm sure it could look much worse and getting rid of the pain is the most important thing.

Good luck with your treatment!