Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/4/2009

Question
I am really upset for my sister as she has had a rare problem with her teeth which has meant she is going to have to lose 10 of her back teeth. She has really tiny cracks close to her gums which the dentist had not picked up even though she has regular check ups and has had no previous fillings.This has led to her having abscesses and the roots completely rotting. The dentist who will be operating on her has talked about her having to have false teeth which has horrified her, as she is only 26. Are there any other options with her losing so many teeth? I would really appreciate your suggestions.
Thank you

Answer
Alison - Of course I cannot be completely sure what is going on without examining your sister, but cracks like you describe should have been picked up earlier by the dentist.  Other than losing the teeth, I don't understand why saving the teeth with crowns is not an option.  I hate to hear of a 26 year old losing her teeth.  Almost all teeth in most situations, unless there is excessive bone loss surrounding the roots of the teeth, can be saved.  My suggestion is for her to be examined by a different dentist.  It is not worth just removing those teeth without attempting to save them.

I wish her well.  If you or she have additional questions please feel free to get back to me.