Does It Make Sense to Keep Weak Teeth and Get a Partial Denture?

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Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton RougeMy dentist told me that I needed a five-unit bridge in early February. I asked for a partial denture, but my dentist says I have so much bone loss that a partial denture would put too much pressure on the teeth for the partial to hook onto them. The teeth are weak from gum disease. The cost estimate for the bridge is $5600. I think it’s easier to get all my teeth extracted and get a complete set of dentures. Does it make sense to keep weak teeth?  – Dwight from Kansas City, MO

Dwight,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, digital x-rays, and dental records to give you an accurate diagnosis. But we can say that if most of your remaining teeth are healthy, you should not ask a dentist to extract all your teeth in exchange for complete removable dentures. It will create more problems that will affect your quality of life.

Dental Bridge or Removable Partial Denture?

How do a dental bridge and a removable partial denture compare? We will explain and briefly discuss an alternative.

Dental bridge

The cost your dentist quoted you for a dental bridge is reasonable. But we are not sure why he suggests a dental bridge instead of a removable partial denture. A dental bridge requires your dentist to shave down the teeth that anchor the denture. Shaving your teeth down and using them as anchors for a bridge will further weaken them.

Removable partial denture

A removable partial denture attaches to the tooth on either side of the missing one. The clasp can be metal or gum colored.

Implant-supported bridge

If your teeth are weak and in danger of declining, an implant-supported bridge may be an option for replacing your missing teeth and anchoring a dental bridge. Dental implants would support the ends of the bridge with replacement teeth in the middle. Speak with your dentist about this option.

Treat Gum Disease Before Restoring Teeth

If you are still battling gum disease and bone loss, your dentist needs to treat your gum disease and ensure it is stable before restoring your teeth. You may also need a bone graft to build up bone and protect your oral health.

Get a Second Opinion

We recommend that you see another dentist for a second opinion. Bring your dental records with you so the dentist can use them to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Also, speak with the dentist about options for relieving your anxiety during the procedure.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Some of My Teeth Just Came Loose!

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Hi there,

My grandmother is in her nineties, and while she has most of her teeth, her teeth and gums may not be in the best of health. She saw her dentist for a filling recently, however since then, two of her teeth have simply fallen out of her mouth! We’re not sure what the best options for her are – should she get a bridge with her remaining teeth? If her teeth are healthy enough, should she get dental implants or should she go for dentures?

Anna, from Kissimmee, FL

 

Hi Anna,

Teeth take a large amount of force to knock out. If your grandmother’s teeth simply fell out, then she most likely has advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease.

With gum disease, it is likely most of her teeth are unstable in her gums, making it impossible for her to get a bridge. If you anchor a bridge to unhealthy, unstable teeth, it will strain and stress them, causing them fracture and need removal.

The ideal replacement would be dental implants, but since your grandmother likely needs a full-mouth smile makeover, that can run tens of thousands of dollars. A removable denture is also the more affordable option compared to dental implants. Also, if you grandmother does not have enough bone in her jaw, she may be better off going with a removable denture. For patients lacking enough bone in their jaws, a bone graft is an option, but your grandmother may be too old or not healthy enough to receive a bone graft procedure.

Since your grandmother’s teeth are likely in need of extraction, a full set of upper and lower dentures may her best option. Dentures can lead to bone resorption (the body breaking down the jaw bone for minerals and nutrients) and facial collapse over the course of 10 years. At your grandmother’s age, she may not need to worry about jaw collapse as much as a younger patient would.

A full set of dentures would be less stressful on her teeth than a removable partial denture. Seek a general dentist or affordable cosmetic dentist for your grandmother as soon as possible, before any more teeth fall out.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

How Can I Get My Medical Insurance to Cover My Implants?

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Hi there,

I would like to get implants to replace my upper teeth. I have advanced perio disease but go in every six months for scaling and root planing. I think dental implants will help me more than something removable — I tried one of those and it made me gag. However, I don’t have dental insurance, only medical. If it’s considered a medical condition that affects my daily life, could my implant be covered? How much would an implant be without insurance?

Thank you,

Bruno, from Des Moines, Iowa

 

Hi there Bruno,

Unfortunately, medical insurance will not cover this. While your teeth do affect your general health, medical insurance has a clause preventing it from covering dental issues. Otherwise, everything would be covered. If you are injured in an accident — such as a broken tooth from falling down the stairs — then your medical insurance will cover the repair.

If a removable device made you gag, then going with an implant is a good idea. Removable devices, such as partial dentures, cover the roof of your mouth, and can cause problems. Dental implants have no extra pieces, so they feel more natural.

For estimates on how much implants cost without insurance, you will need to contact local affordable cosmetic dentists. Calling a few offices for quotes will give you a better idea of cost.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dental implant provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.