Hello Ellie,
I made the trip to see my dentist instead of waiting. The tooth ( very last molar on the bottom ) has no infection and the gums are healthy and strong around it, thanks to your system! but the 35 yr. old filling that deteriorated and broke was very large, and also there is a very large filling on the outer side of the tooth filled there by my dentist 7 years ago because the much exposed, receded bone area was badly cracking and breaking down ( how I wish I had known about your system for strengthening
teeth then… ). So after an examination, my dentist said there was not enough tooth structure left to do a root canal and build a strong crown over it. He said that even if he did attempt this, I would have to go through gum surgery and he believed the crown would still fail and not last. Therefore, he feels an implant is the only solution that would be a permanent one.
( Ellie – one more question if a tooth has a root canal and crown, can your system still harden and strengthen the remaining enamel under the crown so that the crowned tooth will not break as easily?) They are planning to pull this tooth this Tuesday coming up and I am struggling to find an alternative that could possibly work. I really don’t want to lose this tooth if it can be saved. )
Ellie, I would like to know your opinion of implants. I have one implant (done 7 years ago ) on the molar just in front of the one that needs fixing. The exposed bone area of this tooth had receded, cracked, and weakened till the tooth died. It was done by the same dentist and was successful. The part that troubles me about implants is that they seem to require that the bite is adjusted once a year. I have to admit that I haven’t been back to have mine adjusted for a few years because of my concern that my good teeth will be compromised due to these adjustments. The implant has still functioned
very well.
Do you think an implant is a better choice then having the tooth removed and just leaving a gap at the very back? Will two implants require even more adjusting then only one, since they would be placed right next to one another? … Or would your system make a difference and keep the gums
around them firm and healthy enough that the adjustments will be more minimal then my past experience? The gum tissues around this implant look very healthy since I have been on your system, have even pushed back up tighter around the tooth and and do not seem to be prone to receding as they have done in the past. Are there other things that can go wrong with implants?
One more question … would I be better off to still ask for a crown and hope to get 5 or 10 years out of it before it fails ( breaks ). This would be less invasive then an implant and would not require the yearly adjustments … I have to admit I am feeling frightened at the prospect of another implant. I am trying so hard to strengthen my teeth with your system. I feel that I am having great success, and I do not want to compromise the health of these good teeth.
I apologize for the length of this letter. I do have positive news, though. The molars on the bottom ( other side ) of my mouth were heading down the same disastrous path as the ones above, when I began your system 9 months ago. I am now thrilled to see they are rebuilding themselves, large eroded
areas in the exposed bone tissue filling in and even the cracks appear to be healing. A crack in the bone area of one molar has disappeared altogether. The gum tissue looks healthier and has even filled in a little. With your kind help, I will at least save these and my other good teeth.
Ellie, thank you for listening to my concerns and I truly look forward to your response. Perhaps you can ease my mind about implants or perhaps a weak crown is still a better option? Thank you again for taking the time to help
….
Sincerely,
D
Hi D,,
I understand your concerns – but this is a very clinical question. I am hesitant to voice any opinion, since a poor outcome is possible (whichever direction you choose to go). Equally, a good outcome is possible.
So how do I answer your question, without looking at all the components your bite, the next door tooth, the opposing tooth, etc. etc.?
I cannot.
I am somewhat concerned about implants I think too many are being done. I am sure they are perfect for some circumstances, but definitely not all. Implants are a new addition to the dentists arsenal, and I think long-term experience has not been fully evaluated. Financial rewards can sometimes drive decisions.
I’m not saying this is the case, but nobody gets paid for leaving this tooth alone. I wonder what the hurry is all about? I really cannot advise you in this instance.
What would I do if I were in your shoes? I think I would make an appointment with another dentist or possibly a periodontist. (Most periodontists want to save teeth!)
I would go slowly at least wait a while and be comfortable with your decision. If you need a temporary filling, surely that could be placed for now until you become comfortable with your final decision.
I cannot tell you which tooth will break or which will stay for ever! BUT I do know that if you are vigilant and protect your teeth with xylitol, and use my mouth rinse system every morning and night any tooth that can be
saved will be saved. Your question about root treated teeth is interesting, but I believe root a treated teeth should be crowned, so the question is moot.
I hope this helps you in some way. I know you were looking for more , but the nature of your question is too
difficult for me to give you advice.
You need to trust your dentist. You need to trust the advice that you are being given. If you are not comfortable, then seek a second opinion and wait a while. Why not?
Best wishes,
Ellie
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
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