Dental Advice faq from Seattle Area Dentist

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HI.. I NEED DENTAL WORK REAL BAD . I HAVE ABOUT 9 CAVITIES PLUS 5 GAPS IN THE TOP FRONT ... I WENT TO THE DENTIST LAST YEAR & HE WANTED TO GIVE ME CROWNS TO FIX GAP'S INSTEAD OF THE BONDING .. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS BEST ? BONDING OR CROWNS ? ALSO RIGHT NOW I DONT HAVE ANY COVERAGE DO YOU KNOW OF ANY PROGRAMS THAT OFFER ASSITANCE ? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE ...

Since you have so many cavities, the primary goal should be to correct whatever is causing them. You have several conditions which need to be addressed, and since finances are a concern for you, your first priority should be to remove all of your cavities, even if it means placing temporary fillings for now. It would be very difficult to assess the best treatment for your front teeth without an exam, but if you have multiple spaces which you would like filled, crowns or veneers may be your best alternative. As a dentist, I would hesitate to place new crowns on all of your front teeth without first controlling the active bacteria in your teeth which are causing your cavities. Understandably, it would be very frustrating to spend thousands of dollars on crowns only to have cavities form underneath them! Also, the treatment will vary depending on whether the spaces between your teeth have remained the same over many years, or if your teeth are shifting.
As for programs that offer assistance, there are organizations which provide grants for such services. Though I am not versed in these organizations, you may want to try your local state agencies for info. For example, here in the state of Washington, an organization called Washington Women in Need can provide much needed financial assistance for women such as yourself, particularly if you are not married and/or have children.