Have you seen any decrease in overall pain and/or mouth problems?
I am having all my teeth extracted (starting with all the top) beginning in the next couple of weeks. I am thinking it will definately help with the gum pain I have now, after they heal, of course. Or, am I being overly naive?
Guess I am thinking, also, that my decaying teeth are contributing to my overall pain, and once they come out I may have less pain overall, but that might be very naive and wishful thinking, too? I understand that the healing process might not be pretty.
Just want to get some feedback from those who've been there, please. Thanks!
Melinda
If there crumbling and destroying the jaw bone, as mine are, then it stands to reason that were setting ourselves up for alot of unwanted infections, the time after teh extractions are probably teh worst for contracting infections, the last time I was on antibiotics my tongue turned black, cant imagine having my teeth out and taking antis, at the same time, IV feeding time
Howdy, This is a subject I am very interested in. My teeth are slowly deteriorating. Every time I go to the dentist, I see dollar signs in his eyes. I asked him about removing my teeth. He went on and on about it being a bad idea. I hope more of our friends on the forum will weigh in on this subject. Thank you Meld for bringing this subject up.
Seeker ???
Melda, I had all my remaining teeth out years before I'd heard of SS, they were just going one by one,
The dentures were absolutely fine for years, until the dryness got worse, now my Dentures make my mouth sore,
I get mouth ulcers and sore patches on my tongue, my mouth feels sour ,
and I have to keep up thorough oral hygiene.
Dentures are fine if you dont have dryness, but if you have pain and losing teeth,
then I would consider it better to have them removed, healing is pretty quick if you follow Dentists tips!
there are far worse things than getting teeth removed! Who knows you might find you should have done it sooner,
Dolly Best Wishes
Thanks for the responses. :) I think this will help in many ways.
First of all, there are so many decayed and crumbled that nothing else can be done. My smile is embarrassing to me, and I hate meeting new people. I always cared for my teeth and now understand why I had so many cavities off and on for years. But in the 6 mths., I have something crumble or break off almost daily.
I have found a good dentist who has quite a few Sjogren's patients. She sounds as if she really takes care of us well afterwards, so I will follow all her suggestions.
So, Dolly, I'm sorry to hear you have mouth ulcers and sore patches, etc. I'm not so naive to think that won't happen to me, too. At least, my gums and teeth won't be hurting at the same time.
I gradually lost my teeth between the ages of 16 and 21. I'm now 53, but I remember at the time, thanking God that the awful teeth were gone - and the abscesses that went with them.
I'm on my third set of dentures now as, over time, my gums have shrunk (which I believe is normal) and so I've needed teeth with bigger gum areas to sit as they should. I do get a sore mouth sometimes, but not very often partly, I think, because I don't sleep in my dentures, and also because I steep them in MIlton fluid at night.
As far as dryness is concerned, this varies from day to day, but I seem to be always sucking on lozengers, or using my beloved Biotene Oral Gel.
Kathyx
I don't have the horrible, horrible dry mouth like most, but the last 3 yrs my teeth have been going down hill. Just had my 1st root canal and I have 3 other teeth that are very sensitive to heat/cold and hurt. Sometimes I get tiny sharp pains in them even when not eating or drinking. My roots are very long. I dread having an extraction. I have had 2 wisdom teeth and 2 regular molars extracted so far over the years. My dentist just shakes his head and sighs when i go in to see him. He told me (before my DX), "I bet the cavity-promoting bacteria in your mouth is extremely high!" ...I have cavities as I type. I can't keep up with them!
I'm new to the forum, and am still waiting for an "official" dx, but I've had two doctors tell me they're "fairly certain" I have Sjogren's and/or overlapping autoimmune diseases.
I am 46 years old and as of last year, had to say goodbye to my teeth due to the dryness of my mouth. I'dnever neard of Sjogren's, and my dentist never mentioned it. I'd been fighting infections for all of my adult life, as well as RTC's and their failures. My teeth would crumble faster than we could keep up with them. The final straw was June of '09 when a bridge broke out taking two teeth with it. The dentist looked at me solemnly and said, "I think it's time we galk about dentures." He'd obviously forgotten the numerous times I'd begged him over the years to just pull my painful teeth and be done with it.
As for feeling better? Yes. I got my temporary dentures in August of '09 and it's been a rollercoaster rider ever since. I won't lie, there were times when I thought it was a mistake, but now, looking back, I'm SO glad it's done. There is pain involved, and lots of discomfort from time to time, but unlike the other SjS pain that nothing seems to relieve at times, when your mouth hurts, you can just take your teeth out. Instant relief. That's what really makes it worth it, it's something you can do to stop the pain.
I went through the black tongue, the yeast infections, you name it. And yes, it's all still worth it. It'll be even more worth it once I get this new smile paid off. If anyone is interested, I have posted a denture journal of sorts on a dental website. PM me if you would like to read all the details. I'm sorry I didn't know about the Sjogren's while I was going through it, so that's not addressed.
With that said, a person's natural teeth should be saved whenever possible. Dentures aren't "just like the real thing." They're definitely not the end of the world, however.
Hi :)
I've only ever had teeth extracted because of pain - and once they are out - yes - the pain goes. I have FINALLY - after over 30 years of searching - found a dentist who has agreed to extract teeth if they hurt, rather than attempt root canals which in my case, have led to further problems. (Not always - but too often) I'm at a stage in my life now where I just want to minimise pain and I don't care whether I have teeth or not!! False teeth are quite appealing! I don't really want to bite and chew - wet food suits me better anyway!!
The worst pain I have ever had has been due to teeth abcesses. I never intend to go through having one again if I can possibly avoid it!
Take care - Scottie :)
Howdy, I find the posts to be interesting. One thing I am curious about is mercury amalgam fillings. When your regular teeth were pulled, was there any improvement in your Sjogren's symptoms? I have read that mercury is thought to be one of they aggravating factors in autoimmune disorders.
Seeker
It's been a year now since I had all my teeth extracted, by an oral surgeon. I was put to sleep. It was about 3 or 4 months before having my dentures in, due to the dentists wishes. I was still working as a teacher at the time, but I had been in such pain with crumbling teeth I didn't care.
I have never regretted my decision. Due to the sjogren's I still have flares that include mouth sores, but never again the torture of the tooth pain and abscesses. I also get to smile again.
I hope this helps. I was just like you with my concerns at the time.
susanep :)
After I had my teeth pulled the pain slowly went away. I had the bad teeth for so many years that it got so that all my teeth hurt. In fact, my dentist did a pain assessment on all my 19 remaining teeth. It is interesting to go back and read the exam notes. He numbers the teeth and then after the tooth number he listed the pain number. He would tap each tooth with the handle of one of his instruments. I was so surprised at the different levels of pain in the teeth. I was also amazed because many of the teeth that didn't have pain did have pain when he tapped them.
After you get your teeth out and healed and have the dentures in you will have such a sense of relief. You won't have to have a lot of dentiist appts and you can smile at others and at yourself in the mirror without feeling embarrassed. Really the best thing I ever did for myself.
Also, I did feel some better and I think that many of my teeth though not needing to be pulled at the moment were still "sick" and releasing toxins into my system.
I have my reservations about the removing of the silver fillings. I know I probably sound paranoid, but the dentists are having trouble keeping their practices busy enough. So manyy people have less cavities these days and so many of them are going to specialists. This leaves the family dentist digging like crazy to keep his work load high enough to pay the bills. This trend for the family dentists has been going on for quite a few years.
I am old enough that I remember when the dentist did it all, even the braces. Irish ;D
I have been wondering if it would help to have the product they paint on childrens teeth or have veneers put on for strength?
My gums have been receding, so this will be a project. I do rinse my mouth with peroxide, but funny even after brushing, my teeth feel and are dirty.
Seeker:
I have had my silver (most of it) replaced with porcelain onlays...no change. :-\
Just wondering why no one that's posted in this thread has chosen the dental implant route? Did anyone consider that as an option and then decide against it? I would appreciate some feedback on that if possible as I have like most of you, severe dental issues and have started strategically placing dental implants about 5 years ago with the expectation that I will eventually get permanent dentures that will be anchored to my various dental implants so that they look and act like real teeth. I was led to believe that will avoid the rubbing and friction issue with regular dentures that comes along with a very dry mouth.
All of my dental implants have been successful and have good. been very satisfactory, so far at least and they look exactly like my real teeth. While I hate to see my "real" teeth go, and they are falling like flies too, and I have been looking at dental implants as being the building blocks for the alternative to regular dentures.
Daisy,
My insurance doesn't pay for dental implants, so it would be very expensive for me to go that route.
My teeth hurt more and more these days, I am so worried, I need two root canals in my lower mouth and both are covered by bridge..the dentist says no problem, we will just drill through the bridge, it will be OK... I am worried that they will just crumble the teeth underneath!
I have a bridge on my front 4 teeth and I have a hair line crack in it now... I am so upset, it seems as though my gums are shrinking up and my bridges are coming loose! Cavities every where, we can't keep up!
My question is, do I try to let him drill through and see what happens or wait it out until it gets so bad I have to have them pulled?
Feel Well All
Mary
I'm waiting on a pre-approval for two implants (not on my chest either). I broached the subject on this forum and someone gave me the lowdown on the success of upper implants for which I'm eternally grateful.
I'd give you the link to the thread, but I can't search on my Blackberry :-/
Of course, without insurance coverage, I will not consider implants as they are cost prohibitive and I have had many cavities, root canals, etc. over the years. I fully expect to lose all of my teeth at some point--sooner than later because of my dental issues.
I appreciate the replies! :)
Irish,
Yes, I am really looking forward to the day when I can meet someone and smile! It will help boost my self-confidence back to where it used to be...and I may just stand and stare at my beautiful teeth in the mirror. ;)
My husband recently lost 60 (!) pounds, and shaved his thin locks of hair to a sexy, bald head. I told him I need to keep up and get a pretty smile.
And all my teeth hurt, they take turns from day to day. I think I've gotten so accustomed to it, it will be surprising when they don't. I am being put to sleep and having all the top extracted and a temp. denture put in right away. I hope I'm making the right decision.
Katybarstool,
Love the Biotene gel! It is great. Thanks for your reply.
susanep, I appreciate you telling me your experiences. I don't doubt I'll still have some mouth sores, etc, but no more absesses! I had 2 teeth absessed recently and it was quite awful.
Guess my other question is: Has anyone seen less joint pain or fatigue after extractions? As irish mentioned, I've wondered how many germs and toxins my decaying teeth have released into my body, making everything worse? Any thoughts?
Thank, everyone. Good discussion...
Melinda
Smudge,
Thank you for your reply, and Welcome to Sjogren's World! ;)
I believe I'll be very happy with my decision in the long run. I appreciate your being honest about pain, infections, etc. I KNOW this will not be "a piece of cake" or "no big deal". I've found a very caring, female dentist who has several Sjogren's patients, so I feel confident with her ability to care for me.
I fully expected to keep most of my teeth til I was a very old lady, but they literally have broken, cracked and crumbled in one year's time. It is unbelievable! My mouth was really drying out and I attributed it to meds I started, menopause, and my job I had talking on the phone all day.
Take care, and I hope to hear more from you, Smudge.
Melinda
You're very welcome, Mel.
When I was first facing the idea of dentures, I found little online to describe the process in detail. People I knew that had been there didn't offer much in the way of information, either. So I started a journal covering all the nasty little details, as well as the good stuff, hoping to get some info out there.
Here is a link to my journal:
http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/showthread.php?t=9147
Admin, if it's against forum rules to post it, please remove it. I've gotten several requests for the link via PM, so I thought I might post it here to save a little time.
Melinda - this is a thread of yours from earlier in the month - just wondering if you've had your teeth extraction yet, or are you still waiting?
I'm glad you are sleeping through the procedure. I, on the other hand, was awake and well aware of everything going on. The shots in the roof of your mouth are the most painful thing ever!! Child birth was a piece of cake compared to that.
I also asked to have my teeth after the procedure. They didn't give me all of them, but at least three or four of them so I could have proof that they were just crumbling and peeling.
IF you haven't had the procedure done yet, if I were you, I would try and schedule this early in the week so the doctor office is available if you need anything (versus having it done on a Friday and having to wait all weekend if something comes up . . . talking from experience here ;)).
It does take some adjustment to having a denture(s). Getting the right amount of adhesive to get a good grip. After 2-1/2 years I am still trying to get that right balance of the gel adhesive. The powder adhesive is easy to use but doesn't hold all day - you have to keep applying it. You have to be careful when drinking hot stuff as it looses the grip.
I had so many infections from my teeth. Those days are gone. Yay!
Like the others have said, you still get sore spots now and then but the dentist office is quick to get you in to adjust stuff (at least my dentist office is).
I hope you will feel better about your smile once this procedure is done.
Bucky
Hi Bucky, ;)
I am still waiting for the "big extraction", and thanks for asking. I've been working on this since mid-November; you know, waiting for insurance to authorize, etc. I also had to wait a few weeks to have some more cash to make payments for my portion of the bill.
So far, I've had the impressions a couple weeks ago, they came back and I went in today to have a wax fitting. They will be sent back to the lab because the bottom won't fit properly. After we get that back, another fitting and then FINALLY the extraction of all my teeth. Yes, I'm very happy about being put to sleep. Ooh, shots in the roof of the mouth! That does sound worse than childbirth. lol And I had my second child with only a local that didn't kick in until after he crowned; yeeoowwy :'(
Thanks for the tip about having this done early in the week. I have a kind, female dentist and she told me that she only does extractions like this on Mondays. She wants me back on Tues, and Wed. and every day that week if it's needed. That makes me feel much more comfortable. She also has several Sjogren's patients, so she's well aware of our "issues". I have had some real problems with my mouth lately and infections, and pain. Yuck. I will look forward to being done with that! And just being able to smile...now I use a "persimmon-face" smile :D
Thanks for checking on me. I appreciate it!
Take care, dear.
Melinda
About 80% of my teeth are crowns.
My mom lost all her teeth at 36 and had a terrible time with dentures, due to exostoses.
I vowed to never go thru what she did. I developed exostses, or large bone growths on my inner gums. My mom attempted to have these shaved down, but they just grew back. Her dentures never fit right.
So, long story short, for me, I would need implants if these crowns fail. I am 58 years old, and so far so good. All the teeth that were replaced with crowns, had cracked. I even dream of my teeth cracking and crumbling in my mouth as I chew.
If you don't have these bone growths, I would not think it would be as bad.
Hi inga,
I hope you're doing well. Or as well as expected, as the saying goes... ;)
Certainly understand you never wanting to go through what your mother did with the bone growths. What a challenge that must have been for her! At least, implants are an option for you that I am guessing was not available to your mom. No, I don't have exostoses, so that is something I can feel blessed about.
I'm glad the crowns are hanging in there for you, and continue to last a long time. I will be 55 in a couple of weeks, and never thought I'd need to have all this done anytime soon, but then I didn't expect all the other medical problems, either. None of us do...
Take care,
Melinda
I'm also skeptical about the so called "silver fillings" being removed. That would mean more than 1/2 of my remaining teeth would be gone and have to be re-filled? I don't think so. I hear people frequently talking about this stuff causing problems to their health. One young man was in my GP's office having "chelation" (umum) and he told me he'd had to have fillings taken out and replaced because he was allergic to the dark materials.
This is along the line of eye MD's talking their patients into Lasik surgery because "they are the perfect candidate." This money is big bucks for the drs. It has to be paid up front, before any work is done. No insurance involved. No need to wait for the check. It's basically all profit and the more they sell, the more $$ they make. With dentists, the more they sell the idea of "bad fillings" the more money they make.
You know how often pople come on here with THE CURE. They do it all the time. This will cure AI, that will curee AI....well baloney. If there was a cure, we are all smart enough to have gone and gotten it by now an not hanging around sick boards like lonesme puppies. Lucy Keep your money.