Should I get implants for decayed teeth?

Q. hi, I picked you ‘geographically’ from the experts (that and you have children). I’m stuck, with so many options to choose from…or are there? I cant explain in technical terms…so will simply do it by numbers. My upper left 6th from the front is absent…removed due to an abcess underneath a couple of years ago. I have (kinda) one tooth behind the gap (lost an adult tooth back there as a teenager) which I believe is the wisdom tooth, wiggled forward. It has an abcess too. Anti-biotics and the pain stopped…I think the nerve died. While waiting for my next 6 month check-up, I flossed one day…and nigh on the whole tooth disintegrated – leaving it at gum level – no pain. Now, my dentist (who I see on a private basis) has said…a root canal may still be possible. But, he had already said, that the root is twisted and beyond his ability..so wants to refer me to a specialist. Then, if root canal possible, rebuild the tooth. Now by the time I’ve paid for the root canal specialist and the rebuild/crown (which may not be successful), I believe I’m on my way to paying for an implant. So, my question (finally, I hear you say). The abcess must still be there. I think I read somewhere…that it’s best not to leave it too long after tooth removal for getting implants..something to do with the jaw bone receding? The tooth (root) is still present with a gap in front. Is it possible to fill both gaps and what about the timing of tooth removal and also the abcess? I hope this all makes sense! many thanks, Sioux
A. It makes perfect sense- well done!! It sounds like you might be best to consider 2 implants for the UL6 and decayed wisdom tooth. My recomendation would be to CT scan the area first to assess the bone quality/quantity then decide whther to remove or save the wisdom tooth. You could then either place 2 implants or just 1 with a root canal and crown if the bone around the implant isn’t suitable
Regards  Andrew
dr andrew moore

Dr Andrew Moore
Advance Dental Clinic
104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG
Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 01245 268 494

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One Response to “Should I get implants for decayed teeth?”

  • Siouxzana says:

    Thanks for your reply Andrew. May I push you a little further regarding the abcess. If I go for extraction of the wisdom tooth, will that be the end of the abcess. In my mind I believe that the abcess that caused the pain (and subsequent removal) of the tooth in front is the same one (spread?) to this back (neighbouring) tooth….The swelling in the roof of my mouth is in exactly the same place. If any abcess is left after tooth removal..would this show up on a CT scan?
    I’m really stuck for what to do next…cost is a big factor.
    thanks, Sioux

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