Dr JD Tan

To answer your question first, yes, it is possible to have damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the teeth that isn’t because of tooth decay. Possible causes are many, ranging from cracked teeth, infection from surrounding structures, congenital conditions such as dens invaginatus. To help figure out which is the problematic tooth, there are various tests that can be done, such as electric pulp tests, cold tests, percussion and palladium tests, x-rays, cone beam 3d tomography etc. Sometimes, however, diagnosis can be challenging and further investigations and time is needed.

Firstly, yes, there are many dental clinics that do offer implant-retained and implant-supported dentures. In general, with only two implants, the denture would be more accurately termed implant-retained, and whether or not this is sufficient in the lower jaw really depends on the how much bone ridge there’s left, the shape of the bone ridge and many other factors. Lower full dentures (which I’m assuming is what you’re asking about) can unfortunately often be challenging to treat.

To add to Dr Enrica’s excellent and detailed answer, it’s also important to understand that just because the gaps are closed and the teeth look straight, it doesn’t mean your braces are complete! It’s important to stay the course and let your orthodontist finish your case, to ensure that your teeth bite together (interdigitate) evenly and in a balanced manner. This helps to ensure that you’ll have a healthy, stable smile in long term. So do be patient (pun not intended), it’ll take awhile but a good result, with proper retention, will last your whole life!