Many times patients present in my office with a compromised tooth either due to cavities, fractures or even gum disease and often times it can be very questionable about the best decision to make for saving a tooth. Often times I am asked what information do I use to make the best decision. Here are some simple guidelines I use to help patients make informed decisions?
1. Front or back tooth? This plays a huge variable in re: to esthetics...how much will this affect my smile?
2. Function? How is this tooth used? Do you eat with this tooth or is it just a placeholder? Does it have a history of having problems? Do you grind your teeth?
3. Does this tooth affect other teeth around it? Gum disease can affect adjacent teeth as well as infection. Is there a tooth beside it than can help take some of the stress of that one not being there?
4. How much work is involved to get the tooth healthy again? Will it require multiple procedures? What is the long term prognosis of the tooth if I fix it? What sort of investment is needed to rehabilitate this tooth? What kind of investment is needed to replace the tooth if I have it removed?
5. What does the xray say about the tooth? What kind of symptoms are we having with this tooth? Have we had this problem with other teeth?
The message is simple: there are many things a dentist looks at to help make an educated decision on what is best for the patient. Typically there are different options available but you must consult a dentist to see what is best for you. Keep in mind, we do not make our decisions on what insurance covers, we make our decision on what we do if it was one of our loved ones was in this situation.
About Me
- www.nashvillefirstimpressions.net
- Antioch, TN
- Dr.G (as he is known by his patients) is a 2004 graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry. Dr. Mike also completed his undergraduate work at UK receiving a B.S. in Biology. He received additional specialty training in the United States Air Force from 2004-2005 and was a general dentist in Columbus, AFB from 2005-2007 where he treated many students hoping to become future pilots in the Air Force. He provided a vast amount of services to include routine fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, partial dentures, oral surgery, IV sedation, root canals and many other procedures. Dr. Glasmeier received a distinct honor being named one of the top providers in the entire Department of Defense in 2006. He received an honorable discharge and separated to relocate closer to family and to serve the neighboring communities of Nashville. Dr.Glasmeier is the leading sedation dentist in Antioch, TN and nearby areas. He resides in Antioch with his wife, Rebekah, and their 18 month old girl Ava and 6 week old boy, Ty.
