Young with Dentures?

[Jo Dirt]

I'm fairly young (31) and I have a lot of trouble with my teeth, especially my back ones. My mother lost her teeth at a young age and is especially vigilant that I keep my teeth at any cost. But I'm tired of root canals (didn't work on one of my molars, and it is hurting me), and I've about come to the conclusion I would like to have all my back teeth (maybe even my front ones) yanked out and get a partial plate/dentures. It is true, my mother spent a lot of money on braces and I had pretty teeth, but I'm not a teenie bopper anymore. I've got wrinkles and I am starting to see gray in my hair and whenever I have an episode of my teeth hurting and being ultra sensitive I am starting to wonder, what's the point?

I would like some advice. Once they are gone they're gone. Is there any especially compelling reason I should try to hang onto my teeth?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Yes. Your teeth keep your jaw bone from atrophying. You also lose a lot of your sense of taste with dentures and a lot of sensitivity when kissing.

You need another dentist. They shouldn't hurt.

And honey, you are SO young. I would love to be 31 again. From what little I know of you from your postings I think you've had a pretty rough life and don't think much of yourself - you've elsewhere described yourself as "fat," "not much to look at," etc. Don't give up on yourself! You are young and smart and have a whole lot of living ahead of you, and a whole lot of successes.

Take care of yourself. And ask another dentist why your teeth hurt all the time and what you can do to keep them.

[Jolie, BSN]

I agree with Suesquatch. Your teeth are too precious to let go so soon. My mom has had lifelong dental problems, and thought (at the age of 65) that dentures/partials would be preferable to extensive work. She has spent the last 5 years having revisions made, replacing broken parts, etc. all at great time and expense.

I also have very sensitive teeth, although no dentist has ever been able to explain why. I use sensitive tooth paste and alcohol-free mouthwash, and it makes a huge difference. I also refuse to have any work done without a good understanding od why it is needed. For example, my last dentist wanted to start replacing my fillings, stating they were just getting too old. (I'm only 42, so it's not like they are antiques). None of those teeth have any new decay, so why mess whith them? I found a new dentist who agrees with my minimalist approach.

Best of luck to you.