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.