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Dental work - need advice!

  • 24-05-2011 2:22pm
    #1
    lace
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭


    Due to many years of extreme fear of the dentist and extremely poor cleaning routine (all my own fault), I now have a lot of problems with my teeth/mouth, but no idea how to go about getting them fixed - in what order the different issues should be treated or which are more important.

    I need four white (sides/front of front teeth) and one silver filling (molar) replaced. One of these is causing pain.

    I fear I may have gum disease as I have some bleeding and feel they may be receeding. Is there even anything that can be done to encourage gums to go back to normal?

    My teeth are generally thin/weak. Could this have been caused by a complete avoidance of milk? I suffer from some (mild) general tooth/mouth pain but this is probably due to the fact that I grind my teeth in my sleep (or even when awake if I'm really relaxed!).

    I would also like to have my teeth whitened (at least the front ones). My old dentist always refused to do whitening as he thought it ruined teeth - was he right?

    Should I get my gums sorted first before I move on to whitening and fillings? Will whitening weaken my teeth further? I know crowns and/or veneers would probably be a better investment but I'm a student and simply can't afford them. Just looking for some general advice on how to sort out all these problems.


Comments

  • #2
    Oral Surgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,240 ✭✭✭Oral Surgeon


    lace wrote: »
    Due to many years of extreme fear of the dentist and extremely poor cleaning routine (all my own fault), I now have a lot of problems with my teeth/mouth, but no idea how to go about getting them fixed - in what order the different issues should be treated or which are more important.quote]

    Hey there,
    check out my answer to "worst case scenario" http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056277708

    First, find a good local dentist

    get the pain sorted; filling or root canal or extraction depending on what it is like

    then sort out the gums with a scale and polish and some oral hygiene instruction, this may need to be repeated depending on your situation, apart from difficult gum surgery- you cant make the gums grow back but you can halt the recession and destruction...

    then look at white fillings, whitening etc, bear in mind that fillings will not whiten once placed so may be an idea to whiten then replace the fillings (don't whiten on top of leaking fillings either- ask your dentist the best way to arrange this)

    weak teeth is a bit of old wives stuff- apart from a few rare syndromes and defects- all teeth are created equal

    bleaching done correctly should not damage your teeth; it can cause transient sensitivity etc. done carelessly the agents used can cause chemical burns to the gums or lips or can damage teeth if done on top of leaking fillings or open cavities...

    Crowns and veneers are only a better option if you need them... if you can be treated with simple fillings, then happy days, don't over-treat especially if funds are tight; 4 well done white fillings at €100-€150 each are infinity better than 4 badly done budget veneers at €400-€600 each

    Hope this helps,
    Good luck,
    OS:D


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