My top front tooth (left central incisor) is loose due to periodontal gum disease which I have been battling for over 20 years. I currently have an infection which has caused a small lump to form on my gum and there is a slight discharge where the tooth meets the gum. This is despite 3 monthly hygienist appointments throughout the 20 years at which I am frequently told my oral hygiene is good. I have been told that the tooth cannot be saved and will have to be extracted but that a dental implant can be inserted into the socket immediately after the tooth is removed and a temporary denture or maryland bridge put in place until a permanent crown can be placed. I am told that the bone around the tooth has gone but that there is sufficient bone further up to secure the implant without a bone graft and that the infection will clear as soon as the tooth is removed. I have always been given to understand by my own dentist that the bone loss is quite severe so I was surprised to be told by the implant dentist that a bone graft would not be necessary and I am also rather worried about the presence of infection as everything I have read about implants seems to stress that the gums must be free of infection if the implant is to be successful. I would appreciate your comments as I am feeling very confused and worried about being left with an unsightly gap if the implant fails.
Dr Andrew Moore
Advance Dental Clinic
104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG
Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 01245 268 494
