How Can I Prevent Facial Collapse?

I was diagnosed with a severe calcium deficiency and my dentist has recommended that I extract all of my teeth. I’ve been in tears since my last visit with him. I am only in my late twenties and the idea of getting dentures at my age is absolutely distressing. Is there anything that can prevent facial collapse for me if I cannot afford a full set of dental implants?

Marilyn

Dear Marilyn,

I am glad you wrote. I see nothing in your diagnosis that would require you to lose all of your teeth. If you are diagnosed with a calcium deficiency in adulthood, then it should have no impact on the health of your teeth. In fact, the only way it could is if your calcium deficiency were at the same time as your teeth were developing. Other than that, there is a good chance your teeth can be saved.

It’s possible that your dentist is one who prefers pulling teeth than doing the extra work it takes to save them. Before you pull anything, I’d like to suggest that you get a second opinion. When you call to get that appointment scheduled. Ask how strongly the dentist believes in saving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Once you find out the health of your teeth you are likely to find out that they do not need to be removed. If, on the off chance, there is a serious problem with your teeth and they cannot be saved, the only way to prevent facial collapse is with dental implants. However, if money is tight and you cannot afford traditional dental implants, you can try to see if the all-on-four dental implants are in your budget. If that is still too much, you can preserve some bone structure by as few as two dental implants using snap-on dentures.

First, get that second opinion. When you do, don’t tell them what your dentist told you or even who your dentist is. Instead, just ask them to tell you the health of your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Nashville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Wickness.