Hi,

I am 40 years old and in relatively good health. However, I have been having gum disease treated for a few years and the dentist had recommended that I visit a periodontist but I had put this off due to cost. Anyway, I have finally had the consultation and am currently feeling a little low.

Essentially, my gum disease is only affecting my molars but where it is affecting them it is pretty bad. The numbers he was taking were between 7 and 10. At the end of the session he suggested that the only course of action would be to remove all the wisdom teeth and another 4 molars. He said one side wasn't too bad as the molars requiring removal were on the opposite sides but the other side may require an implant or bridge as they were not opposite.

My mother has had severe gum problems but I guess I didn't really consider the consequences until it was too late and wish I knew at a young age more about all this. Anyway, I guess hindsight is a wonderful thing and I need to make the best of things now.

I find the thought of losing all these teeth very daunting, especially at my age. I am worried about the pain, cost and whether it will successfully treat the periodontal disease I have or whether I will now experience constant problems for the rest of my life like my mother has which has also sent her into depression. I am trying to find some positives out of this but really cannot think of anything except worry.

I am not entirely sure why I joined here or posted this, as there isn't anything anyone can do. I just guess I would like a little reassurance and feel like I have the company of others who may have similar experiences.

Thanks for any advice!