My prosthodontist just removed my 9 remaining upper teeth, and placed a temporary all on 4 implant. He stated that while he is working on that, he is also working to correct my overbite, using several different temp implants over time. I was happy that he was doing so much for me, however, I've just noticed that one of my lower teeth is now beginning to hurt with the new pressure it is receiving from the adjustments.

My prosthodontist has up to date x-rays, therefore he knows the condition of all of my teeth, before making the decision to begin the correction of the overbite. My concern, is that if this tooth cracks or breaks due to the pressure, that I will be forced to pay even more money now to correct that tooth, when I had planned to wait until next year to focus on correcting my lower teeth. I do not like being forced to do things I'm not ready to do, and I'm scared that he won't fix the tooth unless I pay full price.

What should I do about this, and how should I present this issue to my prosthodontist? I will be seeing him on 3/27 for further evaluation and another new temp implant to further the correction.

Hi nienna,

The lower tooth that is hurting since the new bite adjustment may only need to be adjusted so you are not biting so hard into it. However, this would need to be done asap because the pain indicates that the ligament that holds the tooth in the bone is being irritated by the bite and this is causing inflammation to develop which can progress into an infection that would involve the nerve of the tooth. So it is best to see your dentist asap to take this tooth out of occulsion.

Bryanna

Thanks for responding Bryanna!

I will be seeing him this coming Friday, and I know that the bite will be adjusted again at that time. I was just wondering that if something does happen to one of my lower teeth due to these adjustments, if he would be liable to fix the tooth that is effected by it, or if it's my responsibility. Not really sure how that works, since technically there was never a discussion of correcting the overbite prior to getting the procedure done, he just made the decision to do it, in my best interest of course.

I previously had an issue a few years ago, where I had caps put on my 2 lower back molars. The caps were way too high, and because my upper teeth were so bad, the upper molar broke as a result. The dentist that placed the caps (Who I no longer go to by the way) said it's not the fault of the caps, because the upper molar was so bad. He said if it was the caps, then the caps would break before a tooth would, so I was responsible for the broken tooth and he wouldn't do anything to fix it.

So this is why I am so concerned about this. Thankfully, I am not in any severe pain of any kind, the tooth is only sensitive right now, and I will be seeing him soon to get the bite fixed further.

Hi nienna,

The soreness that you feel on the lower tooth, based on your description, is indicative of the tooth being hit too hard and either the tooth or the bite needs to be adjusted. Think of the soreness as an inflamed bruise on your arm. If you keep rubbing it or hitting against it, the bruise and inflammation will continue to get worse until you eventually end up with a blood clot or something else. So this soreness can progress into a far worse problem if it is not tended to.

The periodontal ligament that holds each tooth in the jaw is a vital tissue that picks up on even the most sensitive irritation. It will not take much abuse before it become irreversibly damaged.

With all that said, the dentist cannot be responsible for something happening to a lower tooth if you do not inform him of what is happening when it happens. He can only be held responsible if he ignores or mistreats the problem once you have informed him of it and he has evaluated it.

I can make assumptions as to why he would choose to correct your overbite with the dental implants. However, it is truly best for you to discuss his reasoning about this in detail just in case something does not go right as you want everything about your case to be recorded in his notes in your chart. Every conversation that you have, every issue that you complain about, etc. It is always best for the patient to inquire about the diagnosis and treatment plan not only to understand it better but to know what is going on in case something goes wrong and you need to seek a new dentist and/or legal action.

FYI....Do not assume that he is responsible for altering the treatment plan if he has informed you (even after the fact) and you have gone along without showing or verbally expressing concern.

Hope this info helps...
Bryanna

Thanks for the info Bryanna!

It makes sense that you mentioned too much pressure, because I do also have a teeth clenching problem, which I will be receiving a mouth guard for when the implant process is completed thank goodness!

I appreciate all the advice, and will definitely make sure that my doctor is aware of all of my concerns. Thankfully he has an on site lab, so anything that needs to be done can be done same day if it's an emergency.