Awful gum recession - stressed out

[Wainright]

Hi everyone,
Not sure if I'm posting in the right place, but hopefully it is.
I'm struggling with severe gum recession on a bottom front tooth which is on a post, this happened because of a failed root canal some years ago, because the dentist took so long to refer me for an apiacectomy, I lost a fair bit of gum and bone, I tried to discuss sorting this out with my dentist, but she just didn't care quite frankly, then covid came along so couldn't do anything, long story short, the recession has just got worse, it looks absolutely awful and the post tooth is wobbly. I never went back to see this dentist, as it was obvious she couldn't care less, have an appointment with another dentist at the practice (NHS) but I'm both ashamed and terrified at the thought of losing my front tooth, I already have a bridge on the other side due to a riding accident in my early 20's, don't seem to be dealing with this very well and it's affecting my mental health, has anyone gone through similar, I'm absolutely dreading this appointment next week.

Hi, what about gum contouring? If finances aren’t an issue, not sure the NHS can provide this for free?

Hi cold teapot,
Not sure what that is to be honest, the tooth is wobbly, so not sure it can be saved

Ok, I guess if you loose the tooth you’d need an implant. Quite costly also.

Sounds like you know that this tooth is on its way out. What is it about losing it that is worrying you? The extraction? having a gap? Dental phobia? Just losing a part of you?

During the appointment, you want to focus on understanding your options for replacing this tooth- if it can’t be saved. denture/bridge/implant are the usual, not all available on NHS. Pros and cons of each, cost etc...
Try not to panic, it will make you feel muddled and unable to make a clear decision. Tell the dentist you need time to think before deciding.

I’m sure that as you say it looks awful and is wobbly, you will feel much better once this is sorted...

Cold teapot, not an option unfortunately, not enough bone left

Hi, lagartheviking, thank you for your support, to answer your question, I'm just stressing about all of it, but mainly having to wear a denture, I had one for another back tooth that I lost, but it made me gag and feel sick, just not coping with all this at all

Poor you. Maybe the denture could be made really small if it’s just one tooth at the front bottom... less likely to gag?

I’d you’ve got £££ might be able to do bone graft before implant?
Good luck... it might be different this time and not as bad as last time...

Lagartheviking,
Thank you, I just don't have anyone to discuss my anxiety with

Try not to worry about having a denture for one tooth. I have a partial denture for my front bottom teeth (for 4 teeth ) and honestly I can't even feel it. I did end up getting one made private 'cos the nhs one ripped my gums to shreds and I could hardly speak - but the one I have now is great. I can eat normally with it and have never needed glue to keep it in because it's hooked on my other teeth.

Hope your appointment goes ok.

I found this forum helpful when I was going through the panicky stage.

www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/

And this one:

www.dentistry-forums.com/

Hi lemaine,
Thank you so much, what is your denture made of please?

It's supposed to be a valplast flexible denture but to be honest, it's not flexible at all so I'm not sure

I have the same denture as pp - mine is a lower molar and pre-molar. It’s tiny, clips onto the next door teeth, and you wouldn’t ever know it was there. My gap wasn’t particularly visible and the dentist suggested I leave it, but I feel happier having it. I think it was about £300.

Someone on here the other day was asking about composite bonding. Not sure about the exact details, I know it can be used to fill gaps in teeth, and it's non invasive and doesn't damage nearby teeth. If you lose that tooth, maybe this is something you can enquire about? I don't know whether it would replace a whole tooth but something to research maybe?

Sending you a virtual hug though as it sounds like you're really struggling with this. Anything to do with teeth is quite scary.

Hi lemmein, valplast, yes I've heard of those, I have my appointment with an NHS dentist, but if I have to have a denture, no way am I having NHS one

Hi Judy, thanks for the support, really appreciate it, has your denture been made privately? By whom please? Trying to research options

Bigbreasts, thanks for your reply, definitely have a lot to research, I need to calm down a bit

My surgery is a mix of NHS and private. I am an NHS patient but dip into private care (eg I always have the fancy air-flow polish instead of an NHS scale and polish) so my dentist just did it as a private treatment. I had two sets of impressions, a fit appointment with a wax model, then the actual denture fitting. I had to go back and get it adjusted a few days later because I got a big ulcer, then it’s been fine since.

Just to flag up, I did have the gap for a bit before I got the denture - because it isn’t visible - so there was no issue in terms of my gums needing to heal up. I think there is usually a period where you would need a stopgap while the gums change and heal.

Hi OP,

I know this post is a few months old but if it makes you feel better, you aren’t alone. I’m 36 and have the same issue on my top front teeth. Diagnosed with gum disease in Spain- NHS didn’t even notice. Currently have more recession on right than left and I’m also scared at the speed it is receding. I don’t think I have too much bone loss yet, but I want to get this sorted ASAP before bone loss starts. Just wanted to add that in your case there are bone grafts and maybe you could consider going abroad for treatment if you don’t have the £££ for UK. I found Mexico quite cheap and good dentistry and some people have said Turkey is quite cheap too. Obviously do research first. There is also the option for gum grafts, pin hole and LANAP. All are good options. Good luck OP.