Implants and Dental Crowns

I am a 52 year old female in need of dental work. I had a bicycle wreck and was in a coma when I was in 3rd grade. My front permanent teeth were broke off and embedded into the road. After a lot of dental work to my other teeth caused from the accident, I had to have silver crowns on my two front teeth for about 9 years. The dentist put a cap on my front tooth. My front tooth became loose so they ended up putting in a peg as they did not have the technology today back then. The peg lasted for about 15 years and was then replaced with a partial plate. My other front tooth started to become loose as well.

About 6 years ago, I was told that the best thing for me was to have all my upper teeth pulled and replaced with a full denture. I was not told about implants or about the possibility of keeping my teeth. I was under the impression that I would have a great smile. The dentist messed up on the dentures two times and would not fix it the second time. (The wax model came back very nice, but the permanent ones were not very good). This bring me up to date today.

I have Lupus and Sjogren's. The Sjogren's has caused a lot of wear on my remaining 13 teeth. I chew with a total of 4 teeth. Two on top and two on bottom on each side of my mouth. I am currently in need of two crowns and a new upper denture (although I would prefer to have implants). I have seen a specialists to see what I would need. I need 3-5 upper implants and a denture attached and 2 lower implants. I only have about 5 years left to be able to have implants or my bone structure will not be able to take the implants.

As I said, I am 52 and I have Lupus, however the Lupus is in remission and I a doing so much better. I know would like to get back out in the work force once again. I want to look good and feel good about myself. I can't feel good about myself when my teeth are holding me back. I had a beautiful smile as a young girl before the bicycle accident. All of my life, I have struggled immensely with my teeth. It hurts me deeply. I cry every time I go to the dentist, not because of pain or that I am afraid. I cry because I want to have nice teeth, yet I am unable to afford it.

If you can help please let me know. But please do not take me over some young child who may need this more than myself.

Thank you for the opportunity of a little hope.

Respectfully,

Jacqueline Vande Brake
Bellevue, Nebraska