Root canal tomorrow ! - Page 4

caddmannq · 02-07-2002, 02:52 PM

My dentist want's me to get a molar implant. (I lost a molar that had cracked into four pieces while eating popcorn.)

But he says that the oral surgeon won't do it unless I quit smoking. Evidently, the gums don't heal as well, or so he says.

Needless to say, I haven't gone back.

02-07-2002, 03:04 PM

I don't know about smoking. I smoke about 5-7 a day. thats not much. My gum healed pretty well and they use a "thread" which dissolves in abou 2 weeks and its not too painful. It sounds real bad, but under local anaesthesia and with good music to take your mind off, it really not bad.

Till you get home and the anaesthesia wears off. Boy! They give you this toothpase which is actually a numbing gel, tylenol 6 times a day, ......goes on for 3 days. Can't eat anything hot or cold. Only room temperature.

But, thinking back, I'm glad I got it done and the good part is that the tooth doesn't corrode and feels normal, even while eating corn or a steak or anything.

But, as Jonty says, any tooth trouble is painful and its much better to take care of your teeth than go to dentists, who IMO, are next to lawyers in the way they do business.

amdkt7 · 02-08-2002, 06:31 AM

The drill was stuck in the tooth, no way to get it out, so the tooth had to be pulled, hence the bridge.

Nope, no guaranties on crowns! He will just drill though the top of the crown to do the root canel, then fill it the same way as usual.

Knothead · 02-08-2002, 09:55 AM

Quote:

But he says that the oral surgeon won't do it unless I quit smoking. Evidently, the gums don't heal as well, or so he says.

You know, that really pi$$es me off. For several years, I had a guy like that, a real "Oxy-nazi" as I refer to them now. Avid bicyclist w/an attitude about smokers like you wouldn't believe.

I hadda LOSE 2 teeth, then I switched dentists. The new guy was appalled. Filed a report...which is RARE, when a fellow in the field files against another! Told me to take vitamin C, also E. Whattya know.

We all know smoking ain't good for ya, but by the same token, there are some people who are just vicious in their opposition to it.

Get another guy, Cadd. And take those vits.

crazyray · 02-08-2002, 10:43 PM

...settle down, guys. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Feeling better? Good!

The number one risk factor for periodontal disease is tobacco use. I'm not talking about surface inflammation only(gingivitis), I'm talking about invasive destruction of the bony support of teeth (and implants). It is logical to assume that the chances of long-term success of an implant are seriously compromised by smoking. Would you rather your dentist take your money, subject you to the risks associated with implant surgery, and then be of no help when it fails?

There is no man-made replacement for a natural body part that is as good as what nature provides. And, in the case of teeth, that's saying a lot because dental problems are nearly pandemic. A careful consideration of the potential benefits relative to risks should be considered prior to any invasive procedure.

As always, what do I know (?) and your mileage may vary...

02-09-2002, 01:36 AM

Good point crazyray. People make decisions that can effect their health, and need to then bear with the consequences. Be warned about periodontal disease if you smoke. That said, it's your choice and nobody's gonna foce you to do anything. Ithink Cadd's dentist is doing the right thing by advising not to have an implant unless he quits. Odds are the implant will fail. Finding another dentist that will not change that, will just waste your money.

IMO, guys as a health professional

caddmannq · 02-13-2002, 01:16 PM

I bumped this thread to explain something.

My dentist is the best I've ever been to, and having moved around a lot, I've been to many.

He also smokes. I'm pretty sure that he knows whereof he speaks, but perhaps I've mis-quoted him slightly. I believe he said "Many oral surgeons..."

Anyhow, I will get the implant eventually. I don't miss the tooth, really, but he advises me to do it.

As for giving up the cigars...ummm...tough call.

thekingofpain · 02-13-2002, 02:36 PM

I have a friend who had EVERY tooth replaced with implants! YOW!!! (she has perfect looking teeth now needless to say)

I visit my dentist every 4 months, havnt had a problem in 20 years...

caddmannq · 02-13-2002, 02:57 PM

Thank God for small favors, TKOP.
I've seen your x-rays, and the rest of you is pretty much "refurbished"!

Joe_Friday · 09-30-2003, 10:55 AM

I have found that ever since I got a new electric tooth brush my cleanings have been a "non" issue. What once took 30 to 45 mins with a ton of picking and scraping is now a 15 min thing with no pain or discomfort at all. And yes I credit my new electric tooth brush. I recommend everyone to get one.