Q. Hi there, my dentist arranged a free referral to a cosmetic dentist for advice on gum treatment. I was and remain shocked that he has advised ,I have all of my teeth removed and replaced with implants. My dentist has not referred me to a teaching hospital as she says it would be pointless. Could you consider the following points and advise if A.NHS referral appropriate. B.implants appropriate. 1. Genetic predisposition for gum disease. 2. Damaged parotid gland causing dry mouth sore throat,cracked lips,ear ache( I was referred to a specialist approximate 4 hrs ago and he advised if I could put up with these symptoms it would be preferable as an operation could cause paralysis). C.following the death of my husband,mother and best friend I was prescribed Prozac, I also take Simvastatin. Truthfully I have smoked between 10 and 15 cigarettes a day. I take good care of my appearance including my teeth which I have always brushed twice a day. I have always attended the dentist every 6 months and never been request to attend more regularly. I was assessed for Denplan approximate 2 years ago and pay £18 per month qualifying in the second to best category. I feel truly devastated that I am in this situation and can not help but feel aggrieved that I have gone from 6 monthly check ups to this. My dentist said I am in this situation because I smoked and have bad oral hygiene. Previously she has advised I have good oral hygiene. The cosmetic dentist advised it was clear I took good care of my teeth but smoking and genetics had caused the bone loss. I believe he was not aware of the reduced saliva and medication I have been taking. For an independent opinion I booked an appointment with a specialist in Yorkshire however when I last saw my dentist she advised I seek a further consultation and mentioned the specialist I have booked with adding he worked with her boyfriend. Any confidence I had in this second opinion was taken away when she informed me of this. Can you please advise where I should go from here, kind regards,
A. Hello I’m not really sure what to advise you on such a complex case as its impossible for me to give you a valid opinion without seeing you first. I do know a very good Implant/periodontal dentist in Leeds called Paul Roberts who could give you a full overview of all your options. Look him up on google and give him a call
Dr Andrew Moore
Advance Dental Clinic
104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG
Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 01245 268 494
