OK, I'm 83 and lucky to have all of my front teeth, (although some missing molars) and also lucky in having an NHS dentist.
My top canine tooth, which was heavily filled, has just broken off at the gumline, and I'm devastated. I'm vain, I know, but the gap looks really witch-like and hideous.
The original owner of the practise retired about 5 years ago and sold it to a group with surgeries dotted all around the area and I was assigned to a pleasant Polish guy who has spent a lot pf time trying to persuade me to have a plate with two missing molars attached. I've refused so far because I can eat perfectly well without and have noted the problems friends have had with partial dentures. He's also pressured me into becoming a private patient.
What other options are available to me to fill the gaping gap on the NHS - is a plate the only option?
If I paid privately - what options would I have then, bearing in mind that we're dealing with an 80 year old who probably has brittle bones?
Could I have a post and a crown?
A bridge?
Even an implant (if I could raise the money)?
I feel ignorant and don't want to make a permanent mistake. Can anyone advise and suggest sensible questions for me to ask? For some reason I don't quite trust this guy - he seems to be trying to make money from me rather than making my teeth last.
They don't really care do they
I am not a nasty person but ……
Is it me or am I getting mixed messages