Should I Save My Last Two Upper Teeth
Posted by Annmarie SanSevero
I have almost all of my bottom teeth, but my upper teeth are a mess. I will soon only have the two front teeth left. My question is should I keep those teeth or should I just get rid of them and go with complete dentures, or stay with the series of removable partial dentures I have? I’m not enjoying the partials and am wondering if the full dentures will be more comfortable. As it is now I do most of my eating without the dentures in and just use those two teeth and my lower teeth. However, I also know it is better to keep your natural teeth if you can. My dentist just says that it is up to me, which is making it a difficult decision for me. I’m not a dentist and don’t know what the best thing is to do here. Well, I do know dental implants are the best thing but I have no way of affording those right now. Do you have a recommendation?
Stace
Dear Stace,
I am glad you wrote. Please bear in mind that I have not examined you, so the advice I’m giving is just general information based on what you wrote. While you are correct that natural tooth structure is the best, you are in a unique situation where I do not think those last two natural teeth will last much longer. The stresses being placed on them are fairly high.
If you were talking about your lower teeth I would be stressing the importance of dental implants in order to prevent facial collapse. This is because dentures for your lower teeth rest on the ridge of your jawbone. That jawbone slowly shrinks once your teeth are removed. Eventually, there will not be enough of your jawbone left to even keep in your denture. Having dental implants prevents that bone loss.
Your upper teeth are different. They are held in by suction, so you will not have the same consequences. In your case, I am going to recommend you just get those last two teeth extracted and go with the upper dentures.
Also, just because you are getting dentures does not mean you can’t have a smile which you are proud of. I would make sure you go to a skilled cosmetic dentist who can create you a beautiful smile.
This blog is brought to you by Franklin, TN Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Christopher Weber.
