AboutHoward Finnk, D.D.S. Expertise I am a Family and Cosmetic dentist, and
will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member ADA, MDA, MDS, Academy of General Dentistry, Vedder Honors Society, Mt. Sinai Hospital Guild; Volunteer: Project Dental Health, Tri-County
Dental Health Council.
Experience After having attained over 30 years of experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. In addition, I am now a member of the Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and the Atlantic Coast District Dental Society. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center.
Question My left eye tooth grew on the roof of my mouth and was removed when I was 14. When I was 23 I had braces top and bottom also jaw surgery(six screws holding my jaw together as of now). One of the screws is pinching a nerve which has left me with loss of feeling and tingleness on the left side of my tongue. I can feel the baby tooth(should be eye tooth coming loose. My dentist recommends an implant which involves two surgery, gum and bone. I really don't want to put myself through more surgery. What do you recommend? Can you tell me about other alternatives?
Thank-you for helping me
Answer Dear Patricia: From top to bottom, in my estimation:
1. Implant and crown. If this is your choice, find someone who can do them together (I have done several implants and crowns in 2 visits: First visit for impression; second visit for implant placement and crown cementation). Or I can refer you.
2. If you are definitely against the implant, there are bridges that can be made using bonding materials and porcelain to hold your replacement tooth in place. These tend to become loose after cementation about once per year. It can be removed and recemented.
3. If you are concerned about the replacement tooth coming out, you can have a bridge made. This involves cutting the 2 teeth next to the space to 1mm. in depth, then placing permanently cemented crowns over the prepared teeth, with the replacement tooth welded between. Always beautiful and stable, but involves cutting teeth.
4. You can have a removable partial made. This does not involve cutting gum, bone or teeth, but is usually a lot of hardware to wear to replace one tooth. And it requires that several of your teeth be clasped (have wires around them, which hold in the partial). It can be removed for cleaning. And it is less expensive than above.
5. There are partials made, called "flippers", which are made of pink acrylic, to which a replacement tooth is attached. the pink acrylic is formed to hold the tooth in by applying friction to your other teeth. No wires, but these are generally very loose.
If you do consider an implant, please don't be afraid of loss of sensation. Even though anything is possible, the area you describe is very safe for implant placement. Please let me know what you decide, and how it goes. dd
