My Teeth Are Growing Out Of Control!

Q: Dr.Crapo: I was raised in a country where all dental decay meant the tooth was coming out. I have no back teeth on my upper right side and no bottom teeth on my lower left side. So as you can tell, I can’t use the remaining back teeth for grinding my food. The problem gets worse, as I saw a dentist to get some teeth put in the upper right and lower left but he said he couldn’t help me because the lower right teeth have grown all the way up to my upper right gums. He wondered why I wasn’t causing some real sore spots because the lower teeth dig into the upper gums. He said he’d send me to a specialist to figure it out. I didn’t know teeth could grow even after they’re totally in. Is it just me? The problem is compounded by the fact that my new boyfriend got all his teeth fixed with implants and everything, and by accident discovered my problem (it happened when I was taking so long eating a roast beef sandwich) and now insists I get everything taken care of. I’ve never thought about it to any degree – I’d just taken it for granted, but now I do see I have quite a problem. Is there anything you could suggest?

A: Teeth have an eruptive force throughout our lives. When we wear our teeth they actually erupt (“grow”) to fill the amount of tooth that has been worn away. It happens so gradually that we don’t notice. When a tooth is removed, its counterpart (its opposing tooth) may be left with nothing to bite against. In such a case the remaining tooth erupts or “grows” to find its opposing mate. When a tooth over-erupts in human beings, not only does the tooth move but the bone that the root is housed in grows to follow it. In your case your teeth and the bone on the lower right side pose a restorative problem. In my experience with this, and I’ve treated several severe cases like this, the teeth are removed as well as the excess bone height and implants are placed in a relationship that mirrors the position of the teeth and roots before you lost the upper teeth. After that, the upper jaw can then receive implants and a beautiful, fully functioning set of teeth can be put in place – no roast beef sandwich will stand a chance. If this situation is mirrored on the other side, it can be done bilaterally. Good analysis will give you a diagnosis that will guide treatment that will last a life time.

If we can help, we’d like to. Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation or visit us today.

Based on actual patient cases

© Calvin Ross Crapo

Victoria Implant Centre 778-410-2080

www.VictoriaImplantCentre.com

The “New Man” Theory

Q: Dr. Crapo: I’m seventy-two years old and thank goodness, I’ve had great health all my life. I feel much younger than my age. I have no health issues at all, but for the last six months I’ve noticed my teeth (I have just a few missing) are loose.

I saw a dentist in a mall and he said I have gum disease and that I’d start to lose my teeth over the next few months, perhaps a couple of years.

He also said that the disease could get into my blood stream and cause problems with my heart, lungs, kidneys etc.

He said the best solution was dentures, with maybe some implants on the lower so I would be able to eat. He said it would get rid of the gum disease and I’d feel more healthy.

After listening I was depressed, then upset. It seemed like he was giving up for me. The picture seems dismal. I might have bad teeth but I’m not “out of the race” and I’m not thinking of giving up the ghost anytime soon. I want solutions! Whatta you got?

A: I like your spirit! First of all, your dentist was right about the gum disease affecting your whole body so taking action is important. In your case quantity and quality of bone is very important. The last time I saw someone like you push hard for a great dental solution, I was able to place 10 implants in his lower jaw at the time of extraction of his gum infected teeth. In the upper jaw bone grafts were placed and six months later 12 implants were inserted. The final result – a brand new set of teeth with their own roots – all be it titanium roots. This is by far the best solution and by far the most expensive. If you want to look like Paul Newman this is for you. If the quality of your bone is good enough you could go from where you are now to “Paul” in as little as six weeks.

The most popular, “instant teeth” solution can be accomplished in one day – a long day but one day none the less. This is also an expensive solution but a third of the “Paul Newman” option.

Both solutions are stable, strong and very secure. There is essentially no adjustment time (getting used to your new teeth). Option one and two look like natural teeth that are straight and beautiful. Both are hygienic and easy to keep clean and there will be no decay. Both options make you look like Paul Newman, but the first option makes you feel like Paul himself.

If we can help, we’d like to.

Call 778-410-2080 for a consultation.

Based on actual patient cases

© Calvin Ross Crapo

Victoria Implant Centre

778-410-2080

www.VictoriaImplantCentre.com