2nd from Back Molar Removed.. should I replace it?

Basq

OK, so I practically broke half my molar off (root in centre was even exposed) and had a VERY large filling to attempt to save it 6 months back.

The filling never really took and caused me nothing but grief with hot and cold.. so was planning on getting the tooth out or replaced.

What I also discovered was that I suffer from bruxism ("mouth grinding" for those who aren't in the know! ) and it's been going on a long time (my roots are very pronounced, molars are flat etc.) - although got a dental splint for it now.

Due to this, I was told by my dentist that the roots in the molar that were quite "pronounced" and "very curved" and there was a chance any root canal work could agitate the neighbouring teeth so he told me he could give a crown a try but he gave me the advice that he reckons I should cut my losses and should get rid of the tooth. To be honest, my dentist is the most trustworthy guy in the world.. a family friend and I trust him wholeheartedly.. so I agreed to just get the tooth out and we'd take it from there.

So it was quite painful last week so I got it out on Friday.. was relatively OK but it still feels very weird. A huge hole and I honestly don't know if I'll ever get used to that massive gap and I hate that single molar just hanging there at the back. Makes me quite nervous. Even the thought of chewing on that side of my mouth makes me feel a little uneasy.. the other teeth around where the molar was taken out all feel that bit looser (and I hate the idea of them just hanging there with no support from that now absent molar).

Anyone have any suggestions as to whether I should replace it or make do?

EDIT: Apologies for some serious rambling there!

Bearcat

if you have deep pockets an implant would be the way to go I suppose. The pro's should be here soon with options.

Joncol

If you have the money for it would an implant not be ok?

Basq

Bearcat wrote: »

if you have deep pockets an implant would be the way to go I suppose. The pro's should be here soon with options.

Joncol wrote: »

If you have the money for it would an implant not be ok?

Yeah.. thanks for that. Was reading about implants today. Think they need to be fitted relatively soon after extraction (well.. the sooner, the better).. and ain't cheap either but I'm just wondering if the expense is worth it.

Not exactly swimming in cash right now.. but if it's something that needs to be done sooner rather than later, maybe it's something I should be getting advice on now.

To be honest, it's not a visual tooth (can't be seen when I smile or even when I open my mouth - unless I tip it upwards) but I'm just wondering what affects it could have in the future (other teeth shifting, bite being affected, lack of support for other teeth).

No signs of dry socket yet on the extraction but how the extraction will heal and affect me thereafter is another story.

Oral Surgeon

Op, if your means allow- get an implant as if not you will regret it later as the bone shrinks away and the other teeth drift and tilt into the gap and make if difficult to do in future...

Good luck,
OS

mallachyrivers

When i was young one of my molars fell out but it grew back. Is this not the case for everyone?

Basq

Oral Surgeon wrote: »

Op, if your means allow- get an implant as if not you will regret it later as the bone shrinks away and the other teeth drift and tilt into the gap and make if difficult to do in future...

Good luck,
OS

Cheers OS.

It's something I think I might look into and discuss with my dentist shortly.

Just an estimation needed here if possible - but how long roughly til the bone shrinks away and "the windows closes", so to speak?

It's not a decision I can easily make right now.

Oral Surgeon

mallachyrivers wrote: »

When i was young one of my molars fell out but it grew back. Is this not the case for everyone?

No that's your "baby teeth" If this was the case, my implant business would be down the tubes....:D:D

ballsymchugh

Oral Surgeon wrote: »

No that's your "baby teeth" If this was the case, my implant business would be down the tubes....:D:D

maybe he's an alligator?

Oral Surgeon

ballsymchugh wrote: »

maybe he's an alligator?

Or shark??!!!

ballsymchugh

Oral Surgeon wrote: »

Or shark??!!!

now i'm just going to have to watch that south park episode again!

Basq

Just an aside - due to my "pronounced" and "dodgy" (OK.. that's my word, not my dentist) roots, would a dental be the way to go?

Root canal work and crown was not really an option due to this, so would an implant not be liable to have a similar affect (and possibly disrupt neighbouring roots)?

Oral Surgeon

Basq wrote: »

Just an aside - due to my "pronounced" and "dodgy" (OK.. that's my word, not my dentist) roots, would a dental be the way to go?

Root canal work and crown was not really an option due to this, so would an implant not be liable to have a similar affect (and possibly disrupt neighbouring roots)?

An implant is nearly always a good option in these cases...
If the roots are bulky and curved, the extraction may be difficult and will need to be done surgically so as not to destroy the surrounding bone that you will need for the implant...

smiler1990

Sorry to hear you lost your tooth
I'm surprised your dentist recommended getting it out at a specialist endodontist should have been able to manage a root canal on your "curved" roots, and providing there was enough tooth left a crown should have been feasible.
Leaving the gap as it is can cause problems in the future. Such as over eruption of the lower teeth and as mentioned by others, the teeth either side drifting into the space. The tooth you lost was also an important functioning tooth so you have lost some function on that side of your mouth.
I think an implant is your best option but this doesnt necessarily have to be done immediately. I'd say have a chat with your dentist who should be able to refer you on for a consultation regarding the implant or at least should be able to give you some other options...
Hope this helps