Tooth extraction dilemma

ilikethebubbly · ‎03-10-2010

I need to have a molar extracted. I was going to not have an implant and just leave it missing. Has anyone here done that, and if so what were the consequences? The implant is going to be so expensive. ☹️

LuvmyLab · ‎06-07-2010

I have had three dental implants because I had baby teeth into my 50s. I did have a tooth extraction in the very back of my mouth and I chose not to do an implant there because nobody can see it and it’s been fine. That was over 20 years ago.

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

There's lots of info online about this. Can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, etc.

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

I had two molars removed about a year ago - last and next to last teeth on upper left side. The last one was a wisdom toother. I had another tooth missing on the other side upper right about halfway back.

Not having the two molars on the upper left threw my bite off a bit. And I was concerned about the missing tooth on the other side.

So my dentist made me a partial flexible plate - two teeth - one on each side. He said it would help my bite and it does. I love it.

My insurance does not cover implants and I just didn't want to spend the money on that.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I have been in both your predicaments. In 2004 I had a top back molar removed, no implant, way too far in the back to warrant implant, even my oral surgeon agreed. but 4 years ago I needed a top canine tooth extracted, there was no way to save it, I immediately opted for the implant since it can easily been seen when smiling. It did cost a fortune and took up 4 months of my time but so worth it in the end. They do say that if you dont get the implant the teeth can shift, but none for me so far in 21 years. I am happy to answer anything you may want to ask me. I went to a very skilled periodentist for the extraction and the implant, he did all the work, except for the final crown that your regular dentist will do. Perio also made me a plastic tooth that took the place of my tooth until I was ready for the crown

So , my bottom line response to you is that if the hole will easily show go for the implant, if it wont show, dont. Most I know who didnt opt for the implant have had no residual issues.

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

I had a back molar extracted about five years ago and did not opt for a bridge or implant. If I had been younger, I would have made a different decision.

At the time I was informed about possible bone loss and shifting teeth, but so far I have not experienced any of those. I do wear a night guard which I have been told does help to some degree to keep the teeth from shifting.

ETA: I have not had any difficulty eating either.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@ilikethebubbly

I have 8 implants, mostly molars. Two of the molars were already missing for quite some time before they were replaced with implants and since it had been a stretch of time that caused the jaw bone to lose bone tissue in and around the missing teeth. I had to have grafts put in to make up for the lost bone. The other 6 teeth were extracted and implanted, with a few grafts (not all of them), at the same time. The surgeon told me that extractions should be followed immediately with a graft in that empty socket to prevent bone loss in that area of the jaw. You don't need to have an implant right away but in the future it will make the implant procedure go better with a healthy bone to work with. Otherwise the empty socket will cause accelerated bone loss in that socket as well as around the adjacent teeth which can cause those teeth to get loose and possibly need extraction, too.

DessieDo · ‎09-10-2024

I was told my teeth would shift and my bite might be affected. I did the implant.

ilikethebubbly · ‎03-10-2010

Yeah, I read some stuff online and was worried about problems further down the line. I don't care about the missing tooth. I was just wondering if my teeth and jaw would really mess up, or if they are just trying to make $ off of me!

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@ilikethebubbly wrote:
Yeah, I read some stuff online and was worried about problems further down the line. I don't care about the missing tooth. I was just wondering if my teeth and jaw would really mess up, or if they are just trying to make $ off of me!

A little bit of both !!! Like i said, I have gone over 21 years with the hole way in the back and no issues.