In a message dated 96-11-08 15:33:29 EST, you write:

<<  She ended up having extensive
 surgery on her gums to salvage her teeth.  >>

This, IMHO, indicates that she had a periodontal (gum) problem, not one where
the teeth themselves "disintegrated" from calcium deficiency.  How would
surgery on the gums help decayed teeth??

Dr. Brian, are you out there these days?? Any input??