No need for botox here.. Ow. Crash questions.

[kestrel]

Anyone faceplant and crack their teeth?

Today, I went to the dentist and he wants to wait two weeks to see my teeth regain feeling (as opposed to numbness and pain from pressure) to see whether or not I need root canals. But in addition, he says that I've cracked my two front teeth (I can see one fairly clearly), so he wants to put porcelain crowns on them.

I hate to say it, but I'm afraid that I'll look so old with crowns. Ugh. Is it worth getting a second opininion? I've been freaked out about seeing a dentist for years and only have started seeing on again one this year.

And the people at the dentist want me to see a doctor for a possible fractured jaw. In addition to the concussion. Ugh.

And why do these cuts on the inner lips swell up so huge? I look like I have Mick Jagger lips. It's just not right.

[skibum]

I haven't cracked my teeth but I did chip one and damage another way back in grade school. I was playing tag and one of the boys tagged me a little too hard and I ended up smashing my face into the brick wall of the school. The dentist was able to repair my teeth using bonding. I think it looks a little more natural than a porcelain crown. It's not quite as permanent though. I've had it redone twice (over about 30 years).

The repair method might be different for a crack vs a chip and a crown might be your only choice if you end up needing a root canal. It might be worth asking what your options are.

[Soggy]

Hi Kestrel,

I don't know if your situation warrants it, or if your Dentist is familiar with dental implants. Way, way back when I was in 4th grade I also face-planted and broke my front tooth. I spent half my life dealing with procedures and remedies that never lasted (cap, post, bonding etc.). Finally, I found a Dentist who recommended a dental implant. It has been the best. I actually feel as though I have an honest-to-goodness real tooth. No more worries about biting into an apple !

You may not even need to go to this extreme, but I thought I'd pass along my experience. I figure the more info. you have, the better !

[SalsaMTB]

My husband did that back in high school. He did a face plant and broke his two front teeth (I didn't know him back then). I'm not sure on the exact procedure he had but I think he had them crowned. I can confirm later but I can't even tell he's had any work done.

My sister, in volleyball, cracked her front tooth. They held off on the root canal to see if it was needed and it started to lose color (turned a little grey) so they did the root canal. She's had some work done since to get the color to match exactly.

So, overall, I think my husband had it easier with just getting the crown, if that's what was done. He hasn't had any problems and I can't even tell they're fake!

[bikerchick68]

Yikes... I have no idea, but sounds like it was a bad crash... I hope you're feeling better soon and that the dental stuff all turns out easier and better than expected!

[Selkie]

uuuggggh. My sympathies on your crash and injuries. Did you black out at all when you crashed? If you didn't chances are good you don't have a concussion, but you might want to get it checked out, regardless. By the way, you have Angelina Jolie lips (think positive!!). I've had several molars "crowned" and one root canal. I don't think crowns will make you look old, by the way. As long as the crown color matches your the rest of your teeth, chances are that no one will notice, so long as you have a good dentist who does quality work and uses a good lab [isn't it caps that look fake? not sure...]. Since the suggested dental work is expensive, I definitely would seek a second opinion. If you have to have any teeth pulled, I would opt for the dental implant. I've heard those are well worth the investment.

[KSH]

WOW! That sounds like a rough crash... sorry to hear it.

About your front teeth... how are crowns different from porcelin veneers (? spelling)? Because just about everyone in Hollywood has veneers and their teeth look great!

I have a crown in my mouth, on some teeth in the back... that can't be seen, and it looks real... from what I can tell.

In my opinion, teeth are important... and I would go into debt just to have the best looking teeth possible... so my advice is spend the money on what will look the best!

[yellow]

When you have an artificial tooth, you discover that so many others do as well...

I have an artificial front tooth, thanks to an endo-like accident at about 10 yrs of age. I had a tiny bit of real tooth left so they built a new one "around" that. I've never had any problems with it and it's never discolored. I'm not sure what it's classified as, but it sure as heck ain't real!

I know several people who also have some sort of artificial tooth there in front.

I know it looks bad...I remember refusing to go to school because I looked so very hideous. Hang in there and know that soon your smile will look normal again.

[kestrel]

Yeah, its odd.. A great number of friends and coworkers have recently pointed out crowns and other dental work that they or others have. I feel much better.

Most of the bruises from my Labor Day fling (haha!) aren't so evident and swelling on all parts of me have receded for the most part. I must say that I should have gone to somewhere to get my cuts cleaned out because I've got a whole trail of stones and other crap in my lip. I pulled out a nice 1mmx4mm stone two days after, but I can feel a bump in my lower lip that I know is another bit of rock. Is it safe to leave in there or better to get a doctor to cut it open and remove it? Gads.

Btw, its not safe to take aspirin or ibuprofen after a concussion. A week after I had taken some ibuprofen for the weeklong headache and got motion sick after letting the new xbf drive. Tossed my cookies and for the rest of the day and the next, I was really messed up. Dizzy, disoriented, and kept forgetting things. Boogers.

[Technotart]

I would get a second opinion in any case. Front teeth can be hard to reproduce very exactly and you want them to look as much like your real teeth as possible. (Unless you hate your real teeth in which case, you may be better off!) Make sure the dentist who does the work is an expert in crown and bridge though, and make sure he has pictures of his work to show you. I would go the implant route myself - which is what I am planning on doing as soon as I get a decent break from school! Implants are more permanant than crowns. Crowns last at best 10 to 20 years and have to eventually be redone.

[latelatebloomer]

Kestrel, go get your lip looked at, okay? You deserve the best care available. We know you're a tough chick, but this isn't the time (and your body isn't the place) for risky behavior.