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Question:
I would like to know the procedure for tooth removal and dentures. I am 51 years old and have very bad teeth and am tired of the pain. ...Becky in ID
Answer:
Becky, I am concerned that you are resorting to extractions and dentures. Maybe your pain can be alleviated with root canals or other treatment. You need a definitive diagnosis. Save any and all teeth that you can at your age, otherwise you will regret it later.
Your jaw bones will shrink about 1 mm. per year, after you take out your teeth. After ten years your jaws will be half the size that they are now. Dentures are crutches... they are a last resort to a hopeless situation. Even if you can save two teeth in each jaw, you will have better stability for dentures or partials - as long as the teeth can be saved.
Get a few opinions before you decide to take them out, but try to save what God gave you. Don't think that you'll save money taking your teeth out and getting dentures. In the long run, it will cost you more. I have yet to see one happy denture patient that did not regret losing their teeth. However, if you are in pain it is not healthy and you need to do something about it right away.
Editorial Staff
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