Bottom canine/fangs need root canals or extraction.

[fangs83]

I didn't realize that I was terrified until it was time to read the board. My canines have been infected twice in the past month. A year ago (after developing an absess) I was told that my right canine was dead and required extraction. I did nothing.

This year the right canine had the same problem. My dentist this time told me I need root canals for both canines. The dental assistant told me in secret that she'd get them both removed.

My canines stick out like vampire teeth. They are in front of the rest of my bottom teeth. I joke that I am a shark. My teeth are so jammed that food gets stuck between my canines and other teeth every time I eat anything. My tooth beside my right canine is becoming infected as well because I can not get in between my teeth. I have been told by yet a third dentist that I need a deep periodontal cleaning. My teeth are so tight that I stopped flossing because I tear the floss and it gets stuck in between my teeth.

My teeth are large and crowed and my jaw is small. I had 5 wisdom teeth removed and apparently have a 6th one under the gum that poses no issue.

I am terrified as to what decision to make considering that this will affect me forever and I am 28, still young enough to regret making the wrong decision. My left canine looked normal but in the last few months has rapidly grown discolored; white and brown. There are huge visible holes in that tooth. The right canine has visible black near the gumline but you cannot see it unless my mouth is open to display it. I am becoming insecure about my ugly left canine.

Questions: Should I extract both canines as they don't affect my bite dramatically, if at all?
How dramatic will it affect my bite?
Are there photos of people with no bottom canines?
How much shifting should I expect?
Should I remove the teeth next to my canines instead?
How soon should I get braces, regardless of which tooth get pulled? (I am uninsured.)
If I get root canals, can my discoloration be corrected? (It is difficult to see in posted photo.)
If I remove my canines and do not get braces immediately, will I have gaps in my mouth? (Since they are in front of my row of teeth)

My mouth is usually in pain so I want to do something soon. My dentist said within the next month or so that I HAVE to decide what I want to do. I don't want to make a decision that I will regret.

 

[lillyh]

Hello,
Sorry to hear about your pain...I really don't know the answers to all your questions but there are dentists on here that can answer your questions..Hopefully one will be along soon...

 

[David]

HI fangs83,
Its impossible to give you all the answers your looking for on this forum but I thought I'd share some information and try and help you.
Firstly it is important to determine why you are having the abscesses. Is it a periapical abscess because of tooth decay or a periodontal abscess because of periodontal pocketing? You mentioned that a different dentist diagnosed your abscess differently from the 1st dentist you saw. The treatment for these abscesses are different; one requiring root canal treatment, the other periodontal cleaning/scaling. Only a clinical examination can help with this correct but important diagnosis.
Secondly; canine teeth are very important teeth as they provide guidance in dental occlusion; technically called canine guidance (there are whole books written on this subject!!). If you can do it; see an orthodontist who can advise you best. Again, its impossible to say without a dental examination but if the teeth behind the canine teeth can be removed and the canine teeth moved orthodontically into that position then that would be best (assuming the canine teeth are ok ......and yes, root canal treated teeth can be orthodontically moved).
Hope that all helps.

 

[fangs83]

Thanks for advice! I had an orthodontic appt today. Orthodontist recommended removal of canines, two top premolars and braces. I still need a periodontal cleaning first. I am pleased with this prognosis (or whatever you call it) but worried about monies.