Bottom teeth fears.

[poiison]

I've posted an entry in the journals, because I'd like to think that one day I'll be able to look back and laugh at my fears with my beautiful smile.

Right now though I'm still stuck in the reality of it all. I just had my first visit in a few years and had 2 fillings. Before this, I've only visited for emergency treatment twice in about 15 - 20 years.

My lower front teeth have gum loss, no doubt severe gum disease and heaps of tartar around the bottom of the teeth. Last time they were cleaned (5 years) I was left with large gaps between the teeth, and even though I knew I should've looked after it to keep it from getting worse, I've put off doing anything because of the unsightly gaps. Remembering how when I'd talk sometimes saliva would come through the teeth, that if I'd eat so much food would be stuck... dumb things like that is what put me off being smart and taking care of myself.

Now however I've decided my fears will not control me, no matter what that means. I have an appointment next week for xrays and a clean, which I'm sure will reveal I need an expensive deep clean - just for starters.

My fear is... that when the teeth are cleaned and the tartar is removed - that my bottom teeth will be ready to fall out. I know one wonderful person here shared their story and said the tartar was all that was holding the teeth in! The gums at the back of those bottom teeth, is very, very low.

I know in reality if they have to come out, I can get wonderful fake teeth that will look amazing - but I don't know if I can afford that.

I'm just scared and have been reading through the wonderfully helpful stories here searching for some similar to mine - this place is an incredible help!

 

[olivacs]

Hi there...
When you speak of your gums being low it may mean that your gums have receded a bit. If this is true, you still can keep your teeth..good news right?
It will mean that you will just have to be extra particular in cleaning these areas as it is easier for plaque to get in there. I have two teeth like that where it looks like almost the teeth have no gum holding them in. It is simply an area where my gums are receded and it means that it is an area that bacteria loves to place itself. Going for regular cleaning now keeps it manageable.
We always to think the worst but I bet when you come out of there it won't be so bad.

Just keep on focusing how clean your teeth will be when you leave the office!

 

[poiison]

Hi and thankyou! I went and read your wonderful journal and have commented there on how much you're inspiring me.

Thanks for this information, I'd just assumed they'd need to come out - maybe I'll luck out and get to keep them. Hopefully they haven't receded to much, I can put my nail under the bottom of the tooth at the back, or at least I used to be able to. It freaks me out so I've not looked.
I've been trying to floss - I hate it, but am trying. Already I have stupid little gaps that my saliva goes through when trying to talk so I can imagine how much worse that's going to be next week. How do people with gapped teeth manage!

 

[olivacs]

I hate flossing too! I feel like I am going to yank my teeth out with that stuff. I have bought those floss pick things and they are easier to use.
I bet the gaps you are talking about are no where near as bad as you talk about.

 

[poiison]

I know! I try, but after a million years of not doing, it's hard to get into it. And being worried about pulling gums out more isn't helping. But my clean is on Monday - so I'll know more one way or another then.

I've been looking at the pick things as well, there's so many different things for keeping your teeth clean that I never knew even existed!!

As for the gaps, I know they're not as bad as some people, but after having none, and then suddenly having a small gap between them is annoying and talking and having spit come out is awful. I know when they do the proper clean the gaps will be larger on the bottom - at the moment it's mostly beside my top front teeth.

Have you posted any pictures anywhere?

 

[olivacs]

Pictures? No I haven't posted any...I really hate pictures and always have. haha I really should one day to show my before pictures of yellow stained tartar filled bottom teeth and the after of my white, clean straight bottom teeth.

Maybe once they do the cleaning the gaps will not be like you think. I thought the same for myself and honestly I had some very small gaps but they have seemed to disappear..how I don't know but they have.

 

[mghstl]

I know how you feel. I was CERTAIN that all of the horrible black on my teeth and my horribly receeded gums spelled doom for my teeth...and I was WRONG. After 20+ years of no dental care, I learned that ANYTHING is possible with compassionate modern dentistry. I had NO extractions other than three teeth that had already decayed below the gumline. All of the horrible black at my severely recessed gumline is gone, thanks to painless deep-cleaning, and my gums are healing back to a healthy, normal state. I had always been good about conventional brushing, but I've upped the ante; I use a sonic toothbrush, floss often with floss picks (OK, it should be "frequently, but I'm getting there!), use a rinse and am working hard to keep my still-worrisome "pockets" clean and bacteria-free. So far, all reports from my hygenist are excellent.
Part of our phobia is "assuming the worst". No wonder we avoid treatment!
Gaps between your teeth can be corrected. Bad gums can be corrected. Tartar buildup can be corrected. But waiting will not correct anything.
I'm an old 50+year old broad who wishes beyond words that I had found the support of this website decades ago.
Sending you lots of hugs and strength.

 

[poiison]

Thankyou so much for you support. I'm not going to back out now, deep down I've been wanting this for so long but have just been to scared to take the leap. Guess the hole appearing was a blessing in disguise. I just need to work put how the he'll I'm going to pay for it.