I have had receding gums over the past two
years because of smokeless tobacco, and I
never went to a dentist because I was
embarassed about it, which I now know was
a bad idea. It has become very bad, to
the point where my bottom two front teeth
are completely exposed in the back, they
aren't quite to that point in the front.
I also might mention that I am only 19, an
extremely unfortunate age for this to
happen to me. Small pieces of my bottom
front two teeth have broken off of the
exposed bottom of the tooth while
attempting to floss a while ago, this I am
pretty worried about. I am going to see
a dentist immediately because I am worried
about my teeth falling out. I know I am
going to need skin grafting to cover my
teeth back up, but is there anything to be
done about the broken teeth? My teeth
don't really hurt at all, they are only
slightly sensitive and it just feels
uncomfortable having my gums completely
away from my bottom two teeth in the back.
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bt
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 21
Posted: 04-28-05 00:27am
You definately need to have things checked
out by a dentist. They will likely want
to check the teeth for decay, take some
xrays,make sure the nerves in the teeth
are healthy. Depending on the extent of
whats fractured off the teeth they will
recommend treatment, possibly crowns, if
the nerves in the teeth are compromised
possibly root canals. Usually teeth are
salvageable, but it can get involved and
expensive. (hopefully the broken pieces
are minor and will not require this) when
people have severe recession grafting is
recommended. However another concern will
be the supporting bone around the teeth.
I hope you have are able to stop your
tabacco habit. There is a risk of mouth
cancer as you proably know and you are so
young! I have seen the effects and it is
not pretty. Don't be afraid to get things
checked out. At least that way you will
know what needs to be done. Don't be
embarrassed either, and be honest with
them about the tobacco it is important for
them to check the health of your tissues
as well.
