Just wanted to update. OS told my husband, after reviewing the x-rays, that the best and healthiest choice would be to remove all upper teeth. My husbands regular dentist thought the two canines could be saved if worked on. OS said he would not recommend trying to save diseased teeth and they should be removed. He had mixed feelings about the lower teeth. Felt initially that they should also be removed. He then reexamined the scans and examined the teeth in his mouth and determined 4 teeth could be saved. He offered the long term picture to my husband saying, 'these teeth look healthy and by removing the surrounding diseased teeth, should be able to support a partial denture. He did say eventually they would weaken. But he estimated at least 5-8 years without serious problem. The other option would be to remove all and place 2 implants with bone grafting at the time of extraction. My husband opted for the partial denture. OS suggested bone grafting of the sockets and formation of a ridge for the uppers. Husband agreed but said he would try an upper denture without implants.

The OS was running very late. We had to wait over an hour for our appointment due to an emergency. The waiting room was full and I knew I only had a minute to speak with him. Before I started, he told me he received a phone call from my dentist telling him she replaced my upper denture. She must have said quite a bit because I felt he was really not listening to me when I tried to explain how unhappy I was with the denture. He said something about her trying to please me because of my inability to adjust to wearing dentures and in the process ruined the immediate denture. It was obvious that she convinced him that everything that went on was my fault.

I was so surprised and upset. I only had a brief minute to speak but it ended with him saying he does not like to get involved in this sort of thing and if I wanted another opinion, he would give me a name. He then left.

I was upset all afternoon and not sure how to handle this whole thing. Apparently, my dentist convinced him that everything was my fault. I received the name of a Prosthodontist from the office and will make an appointment. I don't want to deal with my past dentist again.
Jane

Jane,

First thing.... try not to be upset. I can tell you that more than likely he was "short" with you because of his schedule and nothing more than that. Remember he was really kind and understanding with you before, so don't let this unfortunate event alter your opinion of him too much. Secondly, the issue with "their" phone call..... the OS is caught between a rock and a hard place. He does not want to lose this dentists referrals but he has indicated to you that she's not that great at denture making. If he had not been pre occupied with what ever else was going on that day, I think he would have been more inclined to be more attentive to what you were saying. Again, this seems a bit out of character for him based on your past experiences with him... so I would cut him a little slack this time... but only this time ;)

Your dentist called him and most likely gave him an earful of excuses as to why she is having a hard time fitting your dentures. However keep in mind that he has seen her dentures before with other patients and is well aware of her work. So he probably just yessed her to death on the phone and figured you would move on to another dentist as many of her other patients have probably done. I know this is all too petty and none of it is fair to you. Believe me... I often get my head handed to me for being so truthful to patients. But somebody has to be!!!!

Regarding your husband's dental issues... that plan sounds like a good one. I'm sure he's dreading going through all of this.... but he will be so much better off when all of that infection is out of there!!

Okay... have a better day today. Let me know how the visit goes with the Prosthodonist.

Bryanna