Measure, Plan, Repeat Then Perform
Q: I have had a lot of dentistry over my seventy plus years. It seems like I’m paying for more complications every few years.
I go home to my country every year where costs are lower. They did some bridges and crowns. Just before Christmas a tooth that was part of my bridge got infected and when it had to come out the whole bridge came out. It was loose on some of the other teeth and they were badly decayed so the dentist said they should all come out.
That has left me with a molar on each side and two implants in the upper right back side. All my front and side teeth are gone. I can’t speak properly and I can’t bite off anything. I chew on the one molar in the back and the two implants on the right side.
Now I’ve noticed that a gap is opening up on the lower right side where I have a bridge on two teeth with another tooth attached, hanging behind. I think it’s a cantilever tooth.
I had a dentist look at it and he said one of the support teeth has decay in it so it’s breaking down and the other tooth is not strong enough by itself so it’s collapsing backwards. This sounds like another problem that’s going to cost me.
I can’t go back to my country because of Covid. I’ve never wanted dentures that’s why I always pay to get the best I can in my country. Can I get a partial denture on the top? How do I go about this?
A: Complex dental problems require careful planning, excellent execution and good home care. Ideally one dentist takes the role of strategic planner. He or she is responsible for the final planning strategy. If specialists are involved it is best that the primary care dentist co-ordinates the treatment unless he/she passes that responsibility off to one of the specialists.
Where a complex plan involves surgery, prosthetics, root canal therapy and implants, all must be done so that in the end, function is harmonious and comfortable.
Work with the dentist, who can co-ordinate all the needed treatment. Let the dentist know your desired outcome. Go through the planning carefully making sure you understand the time frame, number of appointments and the fee. After you have this information your circumstances (finances) may require modifications. You can always work back from your ideal treatment plan and this is done better before starting than part way through. Reconstruction of your bite and smile is exacting. When done peace meal results are often compromised. Good communication, excellent treatment and regularly scheduled maintenance will produce the results you want.
He or she is responsible for the final planning strategy. If specialists are involved it is best that the primary care dentist co-ordinates the treatment unless he/she passes that responsibility off to one of the specialists.
Where a complex plan involves surgery, prosthetics, root canal therapy and implants, all must be done so that in the end, function is harmonious and comfortable.
Work with the dentist, who can coordinate all the needed treatment. Let the dentist know your desired outcome. Go through the planning carefully making sure you understand the time frame, number of appointments and the fee. After you have this information your circumstances (finances) may require modifications.
You can always work back from your ideal treatment plan and this is done better before starting than part way through. Reconstruction of your bite and smile is exacting. When done peace meal results are often compromised. Good communication, excellent treatment and regularly scheduled maintenance will produce the results you want.
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
778-410-2080