Told they have to remove my front tooth and am terrified

[RustyRebecca]

I hope someone may be able to advise.
I have been here before, a while ago. Always had dental phobia. Tried very hard to minimise my fear and get my teeth sorted. But because my canines were removed as a kid (I know, so wrong) and I had to have a bridge, it caused stress on my front teeth. I had to have the bridge removed and ended up with an acrylic plate. But it made me very anxious to wear it, so never have. And just put up with the gaps. But now...I have a bad infection in one of my front teeth, all around it. It may have been fractured in the past. The specialist says it has to be removed and I can't have an instant implant (bone loss) and he seems to think the only option is another plastic plate. But I am so worried about this as I know I just can't wear one. I will end up with the tooth removed, a plate made up and then not able to wear it. I will never smile or talk He said a cobalt one probably isnt an option because of my lack of teeth.
Maybe I am asking the impossible for help ???

 

[MountainMama]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I have been through the major infection and loss of my front tooth, and it is terrifying!
I am not sure if there is a difference between a plate and a flipper. I wore a flipper until I could get my implant crown placed and have a tooth again. The flipper wasn’t too bad, but it was lightweight and only for the front tooth. It did take about a month to get used to. I also had to have it adjusted probably a dozen times in the first three weeks to make it comfortable. It still felt uncomfortable until suddenly I was used to it. I would wear it all the time the first month (except at night after the first 48 hours), then I only wore it when I had to go out somewhere, and left it off at home.

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

A flipper is a minimal small plate. A flipper is usually uncomfortable and is used only for aesthetic reasons. I would consider asking about a frame which is a removable plate which is composed out of two elements: metal and plastic. The metal gives much more stability and comfort compared to just plastic. It also costs a bit more but usually worth it.