dental damnations and possible salvations
The dentist couldn't see me til Thursday, by which time the tooth of doom was feeling somewhat better. I kept the appointment anyway since it has been getting more and more sensitive to touch and biting down wrong. It turns out the darned thing has abscessed (no real surprise since it has been an improperly root canaled tooth for over 5 years at this point). In fact I know it has gotten infected to lesser degrees multiple times over the years and I have been able to home tend it.
Bad news: It has to come out asap once the infection is better cleared due to the fact there is bone loss occurring above it which will cause more problems in the future. ( I am on a Z-pak so the infection will be dealt with quick).
Options: 1. dental implant done immediately followed by a filling of the tooth behind it which has taken damage from the constant care of the doomed tooth. This will prevent further bone loss and may in fact be cheaper the bridge that was the original choice which could allow the bone to continue to deteriorate depending on how I heal. ( My family does not have good luck with oral healing.)
2. Extract damaged tooth, leaving a hole for awhile, and fix the tooth behind it with a filling at least temporarily. Then depending on how on bone loss, healing, and potential tooth movement, decide between the preplanned bridge ( expensive as hell and damages a tooth which has nothing wrong with it in front of the evil tooth) or place an implant at that time.
Right now I prefer option 1. I have a consultation with a gentleman today at 12pm who has done the most implants in KY and my Dentist sent her own mother their for a similar procedure. If you are willing to send your Momma there, I take it as a pretty high recommendation.
I hate that pricing is an issue but it is a fact of life. Bear is going with me and will get an estimate tomorrow and compare the options and go with the best one we can afford.
I will update on the on the continuing saga of the teeth when I know more.
Bad news: It has to come out asap once the infection is better cleared due to the fact there is bone loss occurring above it which will cause more problems in the future. ( I am on a Z-pak so the infection will be dealt with quick).
Options: 1. dental implant done immediately followed by a filling of the tooth behind it which has taken damage from the constant care of the doomed tooth. This will prevent further bone loss and may in fact be cheaper the bridge that was the original choice which could allow the bone to continue to deteriorate depending on how I heal. ( My family does not have good luck with oral healing.)
2. Extract damaged tooth, leaving a hole for awhile, and fix the tooth behind it with a filling at least temporarily. Then depending on how on bone loss, healing, and potential tooth movement, decide between the preplanned bridge ( expensive as hell and damages a tooth which has nothing wrong with it in front of the evil tooth) or place an implant at that time.
Right now I prefer option 1. I have a consultation with a gentleman today at 12pm who has done the most implants in KY and my Dentist sent her own mother their for a similar procedure. If you are willing to send your Momma there, I take it as a pretty high recommendation.
I hate that pricing is an issue but it is a fact of life. Bear is going with me and will get an estimate tomorrow and compare the options and go with the best one we can afford.
I will update on the on the continuing saga of the teeth when I know more.