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Read Personal Stories
The “Root” of the Problem
Female, age 16
What was the issue and how did you discover it?
“When it was time to pull out my first tooth, it wouldn’t come out no matter what method my parents and I used. In kindergarten, most people had their first tooth out, but I was still losing my baby teeth in 7th grade. So I went to the dentist to find out that my roots hadn’t dissolved like how it was supposed to, and that made my tooth very difficult to pull out.”
When was the most shocking moment?
“When I finally got my tooth [two front teeth] removed, I saw that my roots were not melted. I remember describing them as “fangs. The roots were really long and it is not surprising why I wasn’t able to pull it off.”
Were there effects of not being able to pull out the tooth in time?
“By the time I took out my baby teeth, the adult teeth had already started growing behind my baby teeth. This was a serious problem for me, and I went to the dentist. I found out then about the problem with my roots.” (this is known as ectopic eruption, a common case for children who have growing, permanent teeth)
Was there anything you could do to stop this?
“The only way to get the teeth out was to surgically remove it. I actually don’t know the cause of that [the problem], but it was probably because of underdevelopment. For me, personally, it takes a while to pull out a tooth because I have to wait for the roots to dissolve, longer than other people.”
Have you had any other dental problems recently?
“Last year I had 4 cavities. I kind of expected it because I had braces and took frequent naps without brushing my teeth beforehand. But the fact that I got 4 activities within one year was very concerning and I understood how fast cavities can form.”
How could you have prevented the cavities and what are some of your advice?
“I would have prevented cavities by flossing after eating. My braces caught a lot of food pieces, and it was hard to keep my teeth clean from plaques. I would advise you to take extra care of your teeth when you have braces, and to use instruments like Waterpik to remove small food particles.”
The Rotton Core
Male, age 45
Please explain your situation.
I have an infection on my back molar and I had to get it removed.
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Did you feel any pain before the procedure?
Not really... I felt occasional pain but it went away so I didn't think much of it.
Was the procedure painful?
Yes, it was uncomfortable... numbing the gums, cutting [the gums], taking out a tooth...
What do you think you should have done to prevent bone loss and infection?
As I age bone loss just happens but I should have flossed more often.
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Dental Hygienist of patient
What exactly happened to the patient?
There was a build-up of tartar that caused an infection. Everyone has fibers that keep the tooth in place but when people don't floss or brush... you can lose those fibers forever which happened to this patient. So all those tiny food particles are stuck in the loose space
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What's the difference between tartar and plaque?
Well, tartar is harder and it forms when the plaque is not removed from the tooth. It's basically a buildup of food and other materials that hardened. And it is difficult to remove [the tartar]. This patient had a build-up of tartar underneath the gumline.
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Empty Spaces
Male, age 49
Please explain your situation.
Prior to today, I got 2 teeth [upper and bottom molars] removed. I am getting a checkup before I get my implants in August.
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Did you have any major procedures for these 2 molars?
I had a root canal treatment many years ago. But after 10 years-ish, root canals don't last. Personally, if you want a long-lasting or permanent procedure, I wouldn't recommend a root canal procedure.
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What are some habits that you think would have likely contributed to damaged molars?
A lot of time, I'm tired and when I lie on the couch I end up falling asleep without brushing my teeth.
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How does it feel when you eat?
I don't really feel anything... Just that 2 teeth are missing. But I will be receiving implants in a month.