One tooth less [sad]

I had a tooth break a couple of years ago and had it replaced with an implant. Pricy, but I didn't shop around. I like and trust my dentist and stayed with her implantologist. I am very pleased with it and glad not to have a gap at the side of my mouth.

I think all dentists are well aware that most people are terrified of them, or of the possible pain involved. So don't worry about telling them.

Yes, tell the dentist you're nervous, and agree a sign you can make if it hurts.
You could try some breathing techniques or self hypnosis whilst you're in the chair.
I seem to be more nervous now than I ever was.

Bluebell59, please let your dentist know that you are a (very) nervous patient. This should help and they should treat you accordingly. Back in October I posted that I was to have an inlay. This has now been done, successfully, but is really, I think, no more than another name for a posh filling, with a little lip that goes around my tooth. Someone will have better knowledge, but to date, all is well and comfortable.

This is pathetic I know but I’m having 2 teeth out on Wednesday & I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve had teeth out before & not had a bad experience since I was a child but I’m so afraid the Dentist will hurt me. I’m 58 & really should know better!!! Any calming advice out there please?

I have 9 implants (I tried a plate and couldn't get along with it). The worst was when I had my two front teeth removed. I was so miserable I went home and decided to have a bath. It was the first time I'd had a bath (I usually shower) since I got my little cat, and she came in and stared at me as if I were totally insane then gingerly took to investigating what I was doing, patting my dripping foot when I lifted it out of the water for her, etc, all the while looking back at me with a look that clearly said "uh oh, I've been taken in by a lunatic".
She made me laugh so much, it really helped me get over the low!

A top front tooth that had a filling at the back broke 2 years ago. I didn't want a permanent top denture so opted for an implant. Extracting the root was brutal to say the least. Took nearly an hour by a specialist bought in by my dentist. After 6 months the implant was fitted but I have been left with a numbness in my lips and tongue and the side of my face. I think it is a result of the local anaesthetic but the dentist and a neurologist say it probably isn't!! So having paid £2500+ I am a bit miffed. The implant itself is fine, no problem, but the numbness is a real nuisance. I know lots of others who have had implants with no side effects so I was just unlucky I think.

First tooth ever out 3 weeks ago because it was loose, at the age of 80.
This is entirely due to my genes as I don't look after my teeth any better than most people so don't ever feel guilty.

My DM (88) had all her teeth out in her 20s, this was common practice, no more tooth-ache.

I have had years of dental treatment, School Dentist (does any-one remember large van in playground?) ruined a lot of my teeth, fillings had to be re-done in my late teens. Those were the days of no pain relief just straight forward drill etc, no wonder I hate Dentists.

Last treatment I had was 6 teeth extracted & new dentures, teeth were extracted at the Hospital, staff were wonderful. I'm due a check-up & will have to request new dentures as I'm not happy with them, they don't fit properly. To be fair top set were perfect at the start but are now feeling loose.

Now when teeth are extracted you already have the denture if it's more than just 1 tooth, at least that was my experience. You are encouraged to put denture in as soon as possible after extraction.

I think Pam Ayres poem 'I wish I'd looked after my teeth' should be my epitaph. Gum disease has meant that despite every effort my remaining teeth are on borrowed time. Oh well thank goodness for an excellent upper plate!

I too misunderstood the headline and was expecting something quite different!

Thank goodness the fashion for taking teeth out willy-nilly has died out. My parents went to the dentist to get them all removed (they must have been in their fifties) as Dad had heard down the pub that it would be a good thing - they'd have no more trouble with them.
I can see poor old Mum now sitting by the fire looking very down in the mouth (no pun intended) afterwards - she must have been so uncomfortable. When all had healed they got a full set of dentures which must have taken some getting used to. Look after your teeth, that's what I say.

Forgot solicitors!

It is one of many services which now cost enormous amounts and most people can't afford it - Vets would be another, and opticians.
In the future, I guess people will just not go with various repercussions for their health and their pets.
Meanwhile, above companies make huge profits and senior staff drive flash cars etc
What happened to providing a service for the community?

I had never-ending (and probably unnecessary) dental treatment as a child which ruined my teeth. A lovely NHS dentist kept them going for many , many years but it was a losing battle. I can't tolerate dentures--my whole mouth burns and I can't speak with them in --so I went "private" about 15 years ago and had total implants. It was a long and difficult process then, much easier now I believe, and cost a lot of money but I'm so glad I had it done. They look totally real, I don't even remember that they aren't. They are completely comfortable and I can eat anything, even nuts. I only need a check-up about every two or three years and it really was money well spent for me.

All the advice here about seeing the dentist asap if you have an infected tooth/gum is so very important. As one contributor says, the infection can spread to an operation site or lead to conditions like endocarditis which, as the name suggests, affects the heart........ Please don't delay especially if you already have a heart condition or other long term condition. I have gum disease and wobbly teeth but still have a surprising number hanging on though I can only eat on one side. My grandma used to talk about having her teeth 'straight out and straight in' when she was 17! Gave me nightmares for years.......

I had no teeth left at the top on one side so decided to have two implants. It was white a long process as I had to get bone grafts but they are great. Expensive but hopefully will last forever

I have dental phobia! I travel from London to Hull for my check ups. I lived there whilst taking care of my Mum and found an amazing dentist and hygienist ( husband and wife team. The dental nurses are lovely as well. I actually look forward to seeing them. My children think I'm mad of course!

Only got six teeth left. Three on each side at the bottom. Full plate for top and four teeth on plate for front on the bottom. Moved two years ago. Teeth were in their sterilizing overnight pot. Poured liquid away left teeth in pot gave to son to put with precious moving stuff and they have never been seen again. So I am gummy mummy/nanny.

I have had massive issues with gum loss due to medication I took for a few months for my psoriasis. Nowhere was that mentioned as a possible side effect... grrr!

I feel your pain @MissAdventure... now my plate is pushing against a front tooth which is getting looser and I've stopped wearing it. Teeth are a bit of a nightmare, aren't they?

I'm so grateful to the lovely NHS dentist we have though.

Me again Radicalnan, I thought the same as you from the headline, I'm sure we were separated at birth!

I had an implant about 14 or 15 years ago, and at the time it cost £3000, a lot of of money for one tooth! But the tooth was near the front, and I didn't want a plate. The screw was fixed in first whilst I was under sedation, then I had to wait six months, and then the crown was fitted. I think it all takes less time now, and costs less.

Hi,

I have had tooth issues all my life due to being born with a cleft palate so I only have one proper tooth left but I wasn't sad to lose them. I am finally free of toothaches.

I had several teeth out about 5 years ago, the dentist made an impression for a denture - when I went to have fitted it was useless. The details are boring (even to me) backwards and forwards for adjustments, all the time in a lot of pain, she was patronising and rude, I complained to the NHS patient board. My complaint was upheld and I got a letter of regret and apologies from the dentist - I changed dentist and he referred me to the dental hospital - and was told that the denture provided was totally the wrong shape and after many months of pain, ulcers, inflammation I was provided with what is still painful and making eating sometimes impossible with them in and impossible with them out.
I wonder if I would be better going to a private dentist and would I be able to afford to do that. Anyone had a similar experience?

Exactly, Caro1954 - it was the continuing infection that sent me there in the end.
When I had a hip replacement I had to get the all-clear from the dentist before the operation. They said any small infection from eg a tooth could spread to the op. area and cause trouble. I had a few inflamed mossie bites at the time and they nearly delayed the op. for those.