A Tall Order But That’s What I’d Like

Question:

I grew up in a remote village in Northern Alberta. Few amenities were available to us and because we were a large family, there was not a lot of money for my teeth. At a relatively early age I decided, after being persuaded by family members and a bad dental experience, to have my teeth out and get a denture to replace my top teeth – anyway, it would be so much cheaper, went the reasoning. Many good teeth were simply pulled out. Because of that experience, I’ve tried to save my lower teeth – what few I have left. I count nine and only three are in a good state of repair. Because I’m prone to decay and some of the bad ones are far gone, I must do something. I hate my denture but the shock of losing the rest of my teeth brings back bad memories. I’ve lived with the inevitability of making this decision for the past five years. I’ve gotten opinions about my options. A lower denture is out – I want something that really works, and I know a lot of people with lower dentures who say to avoid it at all costs. I’m leaning towards implants, but the recovery time seems long, and I don’t think I can adjust to seeing my lower teeth gone, left with a loose denture and stitches in my mouth. I’d like a quick transition. I’d like teeth on implants soon if not immediately, after my own teeth are gone and I’d like to be able to clean my teeth like my own. I know that’s a tall order but that’s what I’d like.

Answer: You have several options if you make a few allowances, but only one if you insist on cleaning the implant teeth exactly as your own.

Because your situation pertains to lower implant teeth and you have lower teeth in place now, albeit in compromised condition, teeth replacement on the day of your appointment can readily be accomplished. This option is the fastest of all options and there is no down time, no time for you to look at yourself without teeth and barely will you see any stitches. The only drawback is that you have to clean under the teeth like a bridge. This takes a bit of practice but is quite manageable.

The second situation would have you replace each tooth with an implant – wear a denture for several days to a couple weeks, while temporary crowns are made to fit the implants. Then in two to three months, porcelain teeth are made and fitted to the implants. This option is more expensive, but you will be able to clean them just like normal teeth – flossing and brushing as if you’ve been given a new set of adult teeth.