50 yrs. old, good health, had # 30 extracted approx. 1 yr. ago, no problems chewing. Are there likely negative consequences for going without an implant or bridge. Thank You
2006-10-15 03:29:56 · 2 answers · asked by allsphears 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Jennifer has given you the party line. Unfortunately, "evidence based dentistry" no longer supports the party line. The other teeth CAN shift, but they do not always shift. If you've been a year with no problems and you understand what problems MIGHT develop if you do not replace the tooth and you are willing to "run the risk," then don't replace it. You can always replace it in 5 years if you change your mind. If you want to be freaky paranoid about this, ask your dentist to take impressions and make models of your teeth as they are today so that you can actually compare with measurements as time goes by. If you see as much as a millimeter of shifting, then you might decide to act before too much goes wrong.
2006-10-15 06:51:01 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The tooth behind it (#31 and #32 if you still have it) will want to move forward. When it shifts, it effects the opposite teeth on the top arch. I would put either an implant in that spot or get a bridge. Seriously.
2006-10-15 10:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋