My missing tooth :(

[Mnbvz]

I had a tooth extraction yesterday. I’ve not been able to find an nhs dentist so went private. Had to borrow money for it. (This is relevant for my next steps!) There was the option of a root canal, but I couldn’t cope with the procedure or cost so I chose to have the tooth taken out.

I didn’t realise how far front it was, thought it was the molar behind, and it’s the fang tooth.

I’m so upset now the reality has kicked in. I look like Grotbags ☹️ Been crying on and off all day!
I know that sounds a bit pathetic but I’ve been losing hair too and it’s just all too much.

Has anyone used the clip in veneers?
I wondered if that’s the best option as I have crooked teeth so thought it would solve 2 issues in 1.
I’d just wear it when I’m out of the house, instead of a false tooth.

If you have, where from please? Don’t want to buy joke shop style teeth (although I doubt they’d be any worse!)

[ChangedmynameagainforChristmas]

I have had a lifetime of problems with my teeth as did my sister. I had a lot of costly work done some years ago and the bridges and the canal root work have finally come to a natural end. After a consultation at my dentist I agreed that the best way forward was to have the remaining teeth out and a denture fitted. I had this done a week ago.
Living with gaps at the front was awful as people look at your teeth and silently judge.
It is uncomfortable when I eat but it's getting better and I have the best smile you have ever seen. I feel like myself again and it has been a while.

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

@opalescent

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon @KirstenBlest @GulfCoastBeachGirl thank you for your experiences of implants (and sorry for hijacking OP!!)

One last question- having been through the implant process, what would your thoughts be on travelling to get this done? Brighton implant clinic have excellent reviews, and charge on average 1300 for a full implant, start to finish. My current local dentist has quoted 9k for 3 implants. Brighton is three hours away from me, but the sheer size of the potential saving makes this seem worthwhile?!!

I would say don't make the decision on price alone. Check their qualifications and experiences. Go for an initial consultation and see what they recommend.

I saw two different private implant specialist dentists who were suggested by my regular dentist. I got very different answers from them both.

One was suggesting a plan involving extracting healthy teeth. He was focused on getting an implant placed at all costs and would have left me with more false teeth than I have now.

The second one did more involved orthodontics rather than purely cosmetic work and told me that there wasn't a straightforward solution, or not one that he was prepared to recommend as he wouldn't extract a healthy canine to make space for an implant. He referred me to the maxillofacial department of the hospital where a multidisciplinary team came up with a plan but I didn't proceed with it as it was too invasive, and long winded.

All dentists are not the same!

[Ginmonkeyagain]

Another vote for an implant, it really really is much better than the other options.

I had one 8 years ago to replace a failed root canal (which in itself was a long tale of woe and dental poor practice).

It looks, feels and behaves just like a real tooth.

The only caveat is you have to be very good at cleaning it and regular hygienist visirs are recommended as it is not good if it gets infected.

[TollgateDebs]

On a front tooth (destroyed in childhood), I had a Maryland bridge previously and now a flexy winged bridge - Maryland lasted 20 years and the flexy is five years and counting.

[CeeceeBloomingdale]

Should have said they are Maryland bridges.

[CeeceeBloomingdale]

I was born without my 'fangs'. I have a bridge on each side. Cost was band 3 NHS price. I've had one of them in for 30 years and the other about 10 so it's been a one off cost for me. Band 3 is currently £282.80.

[KirstenBlest]

@opalescent , I went to a dentist at my usual practice, but looked at other fairly local ones. I had lots of checkups as part of the procedure.
The practice is within easy walking distance of my house. No trains, no parking, no childcare to organise etc.

I would not recommend going to one that's a 6-hour round trip away.
On-line reviews are not always genuine.

9k for 3 implants sounds very expensive, I think as a ball park figure about £13OO per implant sounds right. I have made enquiries recently as I am having another one. (not a replacement of an existing implant). If you are having a partial denture, and extractions, they will be charged on top.

[opalescent]

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon @KirstenBlest @GulfCoastBeachGirl thank you for your experiences of implants (and sorry for hijacking OP!!)

One last question- having been through the implant process, what would your thoughts be on travelling to get this done? Brighton implant clinic have excellent reviews, and charge on average 1300 for a full implant, start to finish. My current local dentist has quoted 9k for 3 implants. Brighton is three hours away from me, but the sheer size of the potential saving makes this seem worthwhile?!!

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

@KirstenBlest

As far as I know @opalescent , they'll outlast me.

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon , a plate is ok for a front tooth, but if it's front and back, it's quite unpleasant. I got on fine with a partial denture, but I couldn't eat with the full plate. The plate might affect your speech slightly, and there might , ahem, be things you want to do with your mouth that you might not want to do with the plate in. A plate costs a few hundred pounds. I think you might as well stump up for the implant.

A bridge means crowning existing teeth and it puts extra strain on them.

I agree plates aren't always suitable, I didn't like mine, my sister funds hers fine.

As I explained my bridges are Maryland Bridges, because my dentist was wary of damaging healthy front teeth. Maryland Bridges don't involve a crown, they have a wing that is bonded to a neighbouring tooth. They aren't hugely tough but they work for me, look fine and the cost is three figures rather than four with less invasive treatment.

The OP is struggling with the cost, I am suggesting she looks at all the options as it isn't just a gap or an implant.

Dentists these days seem to be of the opinion that nothing will do but an implant but that isn't the best option for everyone.

[Mira28]

OP, I fully sympathize. I’ve got a missing tooth too, the molar behind the fang tooth.
I’ve been looking into payment plan options for an implant, but I’m also curious about other options. I think somebody mentioned composite bonding and it’s also advertised at our dental practice.
Has anyone got experience with it?

[KirstenBlest]

As far as I know @opalescent , they'll outlast me.

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon , a plate is ok for a front tooth, but if it's front and back, it's quite unpleasant. I got on fine with a partial denture, but I couldn't eat with the full plate. The plate might affect your speech slightly, and there might , ahem, be things you want to do with your mouth that you might not want to do with the plate in. A plate costs a few hundred pounds. I think you might as well stump up for the implant.

A bridge means crowning existing teeth and it puts extra strain on them.

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

I've had Maryland Bridges for over 20yrs, I had a plate for a few years before that. For various reasons I implants would mean lots of lengthy and invasive treatment that I am not prepared to go through when I have perfectly good alternatives.

My dentures look fine and I have no issues with them. I have once or twice managed to damage one but they can be fixed pretty quickly and cheaply. Mine are incisors so right at the front, I avoid eating the end of french bread, and use a knife to eat an apple or corn on the cob just to be cautious but have no issues day to day.

I didn't get on terribly well with a plate due to issues with my bite and the space available but my sister has a plate and gets on with it fine. She could have had an implant but decided not to due to cost.

[C8H10N4O2]

@opalescent

@KirstenBlest wow!! Great to hear, you must be so chuffed. Are there any indications that you might need a new implant or crown in the future? (To replace the existing ones I mean!). Have they worn well?

I had implants to replace failing crowns (which were themselves a gift of multiple pregnancies!).

Best money I ever spent, look as good as when they were done several years ago and if my other teeth change colour with age (which they generally will) then the visible part of the implant can be replaced on the same post by a method which boils down to unscrewing it and screwing on the new tooth (or at least that is how it was described to me).

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

@Salverus

An implant?

That's the most expensive option. A plate or bridge would be much much cheaper.

[KirstenBlest]

I'd see a different dentist.

[caffelattetogo]

Your other teeth may move and fill the gap in time.

[notagain2020]

@ThoseDamnCrows

My dentist definitely said cadaver, it was last week when he said it. I've had issues in the past due to a severe dental phobia, got through that but then had to save up enough money, not realising my bone would be losing density the whole time and I've basically left it too late.

Perhaps you could get a private second opinion from a specialist in 'restorative dentistry' who does a lot of implants. The grafting cost would only be a fraction of the total cost (say £500) and so you may want to take the risk. It could work. Your dentist probably isn't the one to do it though as they have already indicated it is not in their remit in your circumstances. Good luck.

[ThoseDamnCrows]

My dentist definitely said cadaver, it was last week when he said it. I've had issues in the past due to a severe dental phobia, got through that but then had to save up enough money, not realising my bone would be losing density the whole time and I've basically left it too late.

[KirstenBlest]

The bone for bone graft is usually synthetic or bovine

[ThoseDamnCrows]

I wanted an implant but my dentist advised against it, basically I'd left the gap too long and lost bone density. The dentist said trying to put an implant in would be risky and could mean having to have a bone graft, which involves using bone from a cadaver, and still no guarantee it would work.

[StillMedusa]

I have the tooth next to my 'fang' missing (thanks to a dentist who removed it when in fact I had Trigeminal Neuralgia). Can't have an implant due to said TN.
I have a Valplast flexible denture.. a slot in tooth. Works brilliantly, no surgery needed and heck of a lot cheaper.
I won't lie, I'd have preferred an implant but as a second option it's very good!

[GulfCoastBeachGirl]

@opalescent Here's some info on implants/longevity/success rate:

www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last

All very positive😀

[KirstenBlest]

I'd say it was quite painful the day it was done, but I was given painkillers but didn't take them, because it wasn't that bad.
It took months from start to finish. I shopped around and chose the dentist I liked best.

I had it done under sedation, but you can have it done under local anaesthetic.
If you have it done under sedation, and you drive there,you will need someone to drive you home.

[GulfCoastBeachGirl]

@opalescent

@GulfCoastBeachGirl I am hoping to have implants...three in total, but that's a 5 year plan really (due to costs!). It's really reassuring to read your post. Can I ask how many you've had, and whether you've had any issues with them at all? Are they in different areas of your mouth? My gaps are.

I have three in total: Front "fang" and 2 upper molars on opposite sides of my mouth.

All three went very smoothly, no complications and really straightforward. Lots of time waiting while the jaw bone grows around the screw, but once they fix the tooth to the screw it's 100% functional, no restrictions on what you can chew, etc.

Really very minimal pain after the screw is inserted and even that settles within a few days. It's been 10 years since I had the first one done and absolutely no problems whatsoever.

The real "pain" was to my bank account.😭

[msmatcha]

An implant is the way forward here and the sooner the better. It's a lengthy process but the new tooth should feel like one of your own. I've had two implants and honestly can't remember which teeth they are!