My 82-year-old mother has several rotten teeth, but her dentist wants to remove all her lower teeth for an implant denture. I’m concerned because of my mom’s multiple health problems. She doesn’t have much stamina, and I think dental implant surgery and months of healing are too much. Her dentist didn’t mention a regular denture, so I asked about it. He ignored my question and kept talking about the advantages of an implant denture. Is that the only solution? How can I confirm it? Thanks. Rachelle from IN
Rachelle,
Replacing missing teeth rarely has only one solution for a patient. Dentists typically have multiple ways to approach care, especially for older patients or those with medical complications.
Although we don’t know the exact state of your mother’s teeth, your description suggests a lack of sensitivity when presenting treatment options. You’ve noted significant medical concerns, yet the dentist is recommending the removal of all lower teeth and the placement of an implant denture, without offering a removable denture as an alternative. That recommendation is concerning.
Why Compassionate Dentistry Is Vital
Dentistry requires skill, training, and experience, accompanied by compassion. A dentist should not only know what can be done, but also how to individualize a patient’s treatment.
In some cases, compassion should outweigh recommending the optimal treatment. A medically compromised patient may benefit more from a conservative solution than from an aggressive one that increases risk and stress.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting Teeth Removal
Lower implant denture
It’s reasonable to wonder why every lower tooth would need removal at the same time. In many cases, dentists can preserve functional teeth while restoring or replacing others.
A thorough discussion about your mother’s oral health should include:
- Clear reasons for removing each tooth rather than preserving some
- Whether a removable denture could meet her needs with less risk
- How well she’s currently managing eating and daily comfort
If these issues haven’t been addressed, the recommendation is incomplete.
Why Not Get Another Opinion?
If you decide to get another opinion, avoid guiding the conversation. Just listen. If a dentist doesn’t include a removable denture as an option, question whether the proposed treatment truly serves your mother’s best interests. If necessary, get a third or fourth opinion to compare treatment options.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give his patients the best dental care in Barrington.