Q.

Hello there, I would like a second opinion on my orthodontic treatment and dental implants! When I was 10 years old I extracted my first molar/left lower jaw as it was so decayed, the empty socket, overtime shrinked and caused my face to be uneven! When I was 17 years old, I had to remove the rest of the First molars (upper left/upper right/lower right) because of decay! Today I am 22 years old and I can notice that I am starting to age prematurely as the gaps from the molar extractions are starting to shrink, causing my face to get smaller, hollow eyes, “melting face ” kind of effect so I was thinking to have bone graft (as I lost serious bone) and then dental implants. But there is one small problem! I started my orthodontic treatment 1 year ago, for a severe malocclusion from where I will have to have jaw surgery to complete the treatment. At the start of the treatment I mentioned to my orthodontist I would like to keep the (molar extraction) gaps open so I can have dental implants but at my appoiment yesterday she said she wants to close the gaps and that’s what we’ve been doing all along during the treatment. I don’t feel is a good idea as my teeth and jaw are very small anyway and I’m scared this will make it even worse../Plus looking in the mirror and seeing my face changing I don’t like what I see/aging prematurely. Now, my questions are: Is it a good idea for my orthodontist to close the gaps? If it’s not, with orthodontic treatment is she able to stretch the gaps back to original shape so I can have the dental implants? If yes, will I be able to have the dental implants during the orthodontic treatment or after/during the jaw surgery? I feel very upset/disstresed/depressed….i stopped going out/have avoided most of my friends, when meeting someone new they guess my age at 29/31 as I look so old….. I need a second opnion/answer please! Thank you very much!

Q.

Dear Dr Moore,
My two front upper teeth were root canalled around 3 years ago and I am currently in the process of having NHS veneers but now I have an abscess. I’ve taken a 7 day course of 250mg amoxicillin. I have an appointment with an endodontist soon to see if he can do a re-root canal. But I think in all likelihood my teeth will have to be extracted. So I’ve been researching implants. I have many questions, please could you try to answer them:
1) If my teeth are removed can the hole be filled with a bio-scaffolding like Alverlac? I’ve heard this stuff is good for preventing bone loss.
2) how long will I have to wait to have implants after having my teeth extracted? I’ve heard implants can be placed in the jaw straight after having the teeth removed, is this correct?
3) I believe my gums are quite thin but think they are healthy as I don’t smoke and I’m in good general health. Although, their not ‘bouncy and thick’ looking. Which I’ve heard is preferable for successful implants. Will this be a problem for implants and will you be able to see them through the gums? Or will I have to have a soft tissue graft? And if so how much would this cost and where exactly in the mouth would the tissue be taken from?
4) Have the course of anti-biotics I’ve taken been enough to have killed some/ if not all the bacteria. Or do they just stop the bacteria from spreading?
5)How do you know if you have a good amount of bone in the upper jaw for implants? Is there some kind of average measurement?
6) I’m a student but have a part time job which consists of 20 hours. I was wondering could I pay for my treatment through a dental finance loan company such as Medenta (so I’ll pay a monthly sum for 12 months or so) or are these types of loans only available to full time workers.
7) If I can’t get the loan I’ve worked out it will take me about a year to save for two implants. In the meantime I really dont want to have my teeth extracted (because of the whole bone loss thing and cosmetic appearance). So if I leave the abscessed tooth for the year will this be a problem? Will it cause any ill effects? I’ve already taken anti-biotics. Will I have to take more? If the crown on the implant needs to be replaced what would be the cost? Would it be a similar cost to having a crown on a natural tooth? Or be more expensive?
9) Is it worth having a re-root canal? I’ve read these can cost in excess of £500 and there not always successful. Will it really make a difference? or like I said could I just leave it and save for 12 months for implants?
I know its a lot of questions and of course you havent seen my case but if you could answer my questions it really would help. Thanks.

Q.
hello doctor kalpesh bohara. I have no teeth at all, and am getting pretty sick of wearing my uncomfortable and very ugly dentures. I really like the idea of getting dental implants, even though I am quite nervous about this as it does seem to be an invasive procedure. Could you tell me what could be done for a person with no teeth and how long it would take for it all to be healed? thanks for any info you can give, it is greatly appreciated as this is something i really want to get as soon as I can,

Q.
Hello Dr Moore, unfortunately your answer did not appear on your blog so I shall ask again with a little bit more added. I still get an ache where the extraction site is 8 weeks after extraction, is this normal and should I have a bridge whilst this is going on? This is the added bit – I have seen the dentist once again and took 2 x-rays, nothing showed up as to why I am still in pain and has referred me to my local hospital. What do you think it is?,

Q.
Hi I had my lower molar tooth extracted and it is empty. Can I just leave it empty or are their long-term issues that I need to be aware of? I have no problem eating and chewing. Thanks,

Q.
hi im 16 and have lost five of my front teeth i was just wandering can i get implants on the nhs and how old do i have to be ?,

Q.
following years of poor dental hygiene I now find myself (regrettably) losing my teeth, my gums have receded and am told of ‘poor bone quality’ by my dentist. Is there any hope for me?? I’m becoming a tad depressed about this,

Q.
I have a 15 year old son who in june 2010 had an accident on his bmx bike resulting in loosing 4 of his major front top teeth and shattering the bone. To cut a long story short he has had 2 temp dentures which kept falling out and will soon be receiving his 3rd which is a metal form which clip on to his back teeth of which i have had to pay £800 for.So my question is why is my 15 year old son not entitled to cosmetic surgery i.e.implants/bonegraft. i would very much appreciate if you could contact me on the above email as i have so much more to say . yours sincerly Mrs Welch.,

Q.
hey i had to get one of my front teeth extracted due to infection and extreme bone loss . gap has been left empty as trying to raise funds for treatment. in the meantime i notice my tooth moving to cover the space, shuld i leave them to cover the space or their is something inexpensive i can get done to avoid my teeth from tipping? my budget is very low right now. please help,

Q.
Are implants the only option for missing teeth or are there any cheaper options?,