Missing tooth and feeling awful about myself :(

[WatchOutTheSkyIsFalling]

I know this is so shallow but had a tooth removed this week in my smile line although not at the very front. It doesn't help that it's gone really high up into the jaw bone so the hole his huge and triangular. I wasn't expecting to feel quite so ugly and conscious of it afterwards. It has been very painful but even after the pain has lessened I am now so aware of it, when I talk or smile. A few people have asked what happened so I know it is noticeable and not just me being paranoid. It is making me feel totally unattractive even though DH doesn't seem to mind it, I don't want to kiss him or anything. I just feel really sad about it and I really cannot afford an implant to replace it unfortunately although I don't think I could anyway as the hole is so big.

I have broken two teeth during lockdown.

My dentist cannot see me and it is really getting to me as well.

I'm not sure whether my gap is normal either. It isn't a flat, square gap. It's a big triangle shape which goes high up into my gum which I think makes it look far more noticeable than if just the tooth was missing.

I've got a plate with one tooth on it, it's a side front one. It definately makes me feel better about how I look. I can't afford a bridge right now (or get near a dentist!) but it was definately offered at the time. I'm not sure how hard the clips actually hold on as I use fixodent too and it's never fallen out.
I wouldn't worry about what my partner said about it, just go for the option you want and can have right now.

@Purplekitchen - that's exactly what mine has cost, to the £.

Just be aware that there are a lot of appointments for an implant, so being closer to home has it's definite advantages. The MINIMUM appointments are:

• Consultation
• extraction (if not already out)
• extraction follow up
• Check/scan once extraction settled to ascertain if none grafts needed etc
• fitting of post in jaw
• check up one week after the post fitting
• abutment fitting
• impressions
• tooth fitting
• tooth fitting follow up

That's a lot of appointments if you need to travel!!

I'm nearing the the end of the whole process now which is a relief but I'm very glad I've gone down this route as I HATE having a gap.

OP, one thing to consider is that if you're relatively young, the lifetime cost of an implant is likely to be less that a bridge or denture which will need replacing every so many often.

Yes. I think I will stick with my own dentist. Apparently the one in Droitwich is only doing emergency appointments anyway.

@Purplekitchen @slipperywhensparticus please could one of you pm me the Droitwich implant place details for future reference? Also in need of tooth replacement and live close to the area! Thank you 😊

I too have lost a front tooth which has made me feel awful but what makes it worse is that i am now having 4 implants as i have gaps all over the place which is affecting my good teeth ( poor dentistry as a child and twisted roots so all fillings failed ) . Im borrowing the money but actually relieved as ive struggled to eat properly for years. I keep reframing it thinking i could be really ill , its just teeth . However soft food until feb is a bit depressing

I have a denture, soon likely to be two.
I can promise you there is no problem with kissing, lips, or elsewhere.