Tissue graft to gum questions

From: Camilla Cracchiolo (camilla4_at_mindspring.com)
Date: 11/15/04 

Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 23:59:15 -0800

I've been told by a peridontologist that, despite being a fanatic
about oral hygiene, I have about 25% bone loss under the gum line and
I need a tissue graft to my lower 4 front teeth if I want to keep
them. He also wants to reposition the attachment from my lower lip to
my gums since he says pressure from the lip pulling on the gum line is
part of the problem. This will cost $3000.

My questions:

1. How effective is this procedure? Is it controversial in any way
or still experimental?

2. Is there an effective alternative that doesn't require surgery but
is effective in supporting the teeth (such as wiring them in place,
perhaps?)

3. He told me that the latest thinking is that bone loss and gum
inflammation may not only be due to poor oral hygiene but in some
people is autoimmune. Is this backed up by evidence, and if so, are
anti inflammatories such as naproxyn at all useful? Are there other
medications of value? I do have what appears to be some mild
unidentified autoimmune problem. I do have what appears to be some
mild unidentified autoimmune illness so it wouldn't surprise me too
much.

4. And is $3000 a reasonable price for this procedure? (I live in
Los Angeles, I realize prices can vary from community to community.)

I can see that one gum is considerably lower than the rest and the
front 4 teeth are slightly loose. They have been slightly loose for
years, since prior to about 6 years ago I was not a good dental
citizen and did not floss. That changed with my discovery of floss
holders and I now not only brush several times a day, but floss EVERY
time I brush. The bone loss and the looseness of the front teeth have
stayed steady since I started this practice and otherwise my gums are
in good shape with no bleeding or pockets.

Obviously, if it's good standard dental practice and is effective,
then I want to do it. My mama and both my aunts lost all their teeth
after menopause and I do not want to wind up like them. Want to
keep those teeth. But I don't want to get ripped off either.

Thank you.
 ___________________________________________________

              Camilla Cracchiolo
               Registered Nurse
             Los Angeles, California

camilla4@mindspring.com webpage temporarily down

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