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Subject:
periodontics dentistry orthodontics
Category: Health Asked by: annakarenina-ga List Price: $5.00 |
Posted:
01 Nov 2002 09:18 PST
Expires: 01 Dec 2002 09:18 PST Question ID: 95503 |
In a mature adult (i.e. 45+ years)who's had a back upper molar removed within the last few years, how fast and far will the other teeth will move apart, (and in some people, will they move hardly at all?), creating a misaligned bite? Is it inevitable that the bite will become seriously misaligned, or might it be only a negligible misalignment? In short, is it considered absolutely essential to cover the empty back space with an implant or bridge? (I'm trying to avoid having an expensive implant that I'm not sure I need.) |
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There is no answer at this time. |
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Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: mister-ga on 01 Nov 2002 10:18 PST |
As far as I know the teeth may or may not move to fill the missing space.However if they do move they can damage the enamel on neighboring teeth when they move as well as causing bite misalignment,therefore you would have to pay for fillings or even root canals.My sympathies,I have similar problems. |
Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: bobbylucy-ga on 01 Nov 2002 13:21 PST |
It is not essential to fill the gap. Teeth will only drift slightly you wont end up wil big gaps every where. Bridges are only recomended if the gap is bothering you looks wise or if you are having problems chewing on that side. |
Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: lcran-ga on 01 Nov 2002 21:18 PST |
For what it's worth, I had a top molar removed 13 years ago, and the teeth haven't shifted at all in that time. At the time it was extracted I asked the oral surgeon if it was likely to create a problem in that regard, and whether I needed to look at a bridge just as a 'space holder' type of thing. He said no, the bridge was only necessary if I felt I wanted it either cosmetically or for chewing -- which I didn't. It's never been a problem. I don't know if age would affect that; I was in my mid 30's at the time. I do know that when my 5 year old son fell and knocked out a front baby tooth the dentist did employ what he called a space-holder bridge to prevent shifting and hold open the space for the permanent tooth to come in, which leads me to believe that age is at least something of a factor. Good luck! |
Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: bigfoot13-ga on 02 Nov 2002 07:00 PST |
I'm a 53 year old male; had upper right six molar removed last year by my dentist who is very keen on preventative work, but even he had to admit that a bridge or other type of gap filler wasn't required unless I felt I wanted it for cosmetic or comfort reasons. So far no problems, and no awkward bridge work to keep clean; this is a major consideration because cleaning around bridges is a very time consuming and boring job! |
Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: mister-ga on 02 Nov 2002 10:38 PST |
If you decide to get the implant,do it now.When there is a missing tooth the bone deteriorates and you will need a bone transplant to make it stay if you put it off too long. |
Subject:
Re: periodontics dentistry orthodontics
From: crispeater-ga on 10 Nov 2002 16:25 PST |
This question is difficult to answer without knowing which tooth was extracted, what teeth are left nearby and below, your periodontal condition (gum disease present or not), the level of your smile line etc. In brief, it is highly unlikely that the loss of an upper molar will adversely affect the condition of the remaining teeth. (It would be different if a lower molar was lost as the opposing tooth would overerupt into the space) The main consideration here is the aesthetic implications of having a gap in this area. Do you see it when you smile? If not, then the cost cannot be justified for the potential gain. If yes, then ask yourself which is more important, cost or preservation of the tooth tissue of the surrounding teeth. This is important as an implant will cost much more (and yes, you may need bone augmentation if the residual bone is too shallow.......most loss occurs in the 6 months post-extraction) but will not require the destructive removal of healthy tooth tissue from the adjacent teeth which a bridge needs. In essence you've answered your own question. If the gap bothered you, you would have already had the procedure done. Since your only concern is the potential change to your occlusion (which will be slight and of no cause for concern) then there is no need for anything to be done. In the end, any patient has the right to a second opinion and too few exercise it. |
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