Tooth removed - what are my options

spudulike

Hi All,

Looking for some expert advice. Here's my story. I have just had a tooth removed - one to the left of my front tooth. History of the tooth... it was chipped/broken when i was about 14... at some point after that I got a root canal and some sort of cap (was young so not sure exactly). That's all been fine for about 15 years. Then I get a bad gun infection in the area. I take antibiotics to clear infection and the dentist replaces the root canal. Over the past 3/4 years this infection has recurred a number of times. Each time i take antibiotics but the latest bout of infection was more severe and had spread to a different location (from inside the tooth to the outside, near the lip). With that the dentist said i should whip it out. So that's what we have done.

So now I am wearing a denture with one tooth on it. It would such a shock to the system getting that. I literally couldn't believe science hadn't come up with a better solution than this monstrosity in my mouth. But anyway, i'm started to get used to it and can almost pronounce my 's' again.

So to cut a long story short. My dentist seems to suggest to me that my only option is a bridge because of the damage done to my gun through the multiple infections. That the gun wouldn't be good enough for the impact to take.

-Would this be a common result?
-Would there be any hope of bone regeneration?
-Would a bone graft help? Are there any circumstances when a graft wouldn't even be tried?
-Should I get a second opinion?
-I've read threads where an implant can damage the surrounding teeth. I have a concern on my front tooth which may not be the soundest either. Could a failed implant damage it? In fact would a bridge damage this also?

Thanks in advance,

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Bone grafting is common place and predictable. A dental implant is usually the best option, even when there is advanced bone loss. I would respectfully suggest that you ask for a suitable referral to a specialist who can offer you these treatments.

spudulike

Thanks Fitzgeme... by the way... who would I be asking to be referred to, as in what's the profession, i take it it's not a regular dentist who can perform implants?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Advanced dental treatment is pretty deregulated in that general dentists can do whatever treatment they feel they are able to do. You could go see a specialist like a periodontist, prosthodontist or oral surgeon. What part of the country are you in?

spudulike

Sandyford, Dublin. Though i'd be prepared to go anyway within reason to get good advice. Anyone you would recommend for my situation?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I will lock this one up as there are allegations of shilling flying around. PM's are not affected.