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How Is An Artificial Denture A Medical Necessity?

Posted on Tue, 25 Oct 2016

Question: can a md find/deem it medically necessary for someone to get dentures?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
describe your problem in detail

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
Please describe the question in detail. As per my understanding it is necessary for any patient to get his missing teeth replaced for normal mastication.
Please describe your problem in detail so that I can answer you better.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any queries reply me back. take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (32 minutes later)

I suffer from ptsd and am petrified of the dentist. Thirteen years ago I broke my back resulting in three surgeries including a lumbar fusion. As a result of the medication over the years all my teeth are going bad or are bad. I have had to get some pulled out and about three fourths of the ones left require either a root canal or have large cavities. My insurance doesn't pay for root canals and opts for removal. Leaving the few left requiring a lot of drilling which I am terrified. As a result of fear I have panic attacks and vomit cry and shake uncontrollably. I am in pain and am suffering both mentally as well as physically, because it hurts to chew. Is it possible that I could get dentures and have a Dr deem it medically necessary? Could you help me please or at least point me in the right direction? I would be incredibly appreciative

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
orthopantomograph, RCT, Bridge

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your reply. I have gone through your query.

As per the basic requirements of any individual, a person need his teeth for chewing and smile (esthetics). Even if he compromise in smile, he cannot compromise the chewing function. So it is better to replace the missing teeth with dentures or with the help of bridge.
Nothing to worry about your post traumatic stress disorder, we can manage.

You need to get a radiograph like orthopantomograph done to check the status of your teeth and supporting bone. If you have sufficient bone support and tooth structure we can save the teeth by root canal treatment and bridge. If there is no bone support, then the teeth has to be removed and replaced with dentures.

Regarding the financial issue, if teeth are fit for root canal treatment, better to get it done and save the natural tooth rather than getting it removed and replacing it with an artificial one even though it won't be covered under your insurance.

To finalise your treatment plan, get an Orthopantomograph and upload the images so that I can give better treatment plan. Also mention your place where you are staying so that I can suggest you some hospitals where they do treatment at affordable prices.

I hope I have answered your query.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (9 minutes later)

I can't afford to pay the cost of so many root canals or the fillings. And how do you propose that I don't freak out in the process at the dentist office

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
General anesthesia or sedation, government dental hospital

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your reply, The treatment can be done under sedation or general anesthesia where you will be unconscious. To plan all these I need you to get the radiograph done. If you cannot afford the money for all these treatments, you can get it treated in a government dental hospital where they do all treatment free of cost or with affordable prices.
I hope I have answered your query. Takecare.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar