i just got one of my molar tooths removed, now there is a big empty space where there was once a tooth?

Question

can i get a fake tooth surgically implanted in there? i hate feeling an empty socket in my mouth. :(

Answer 1

Simply speaking, I would suggest that you make an appointment with either an oral surgeon or a periodontst for an implant consultation to see if you're a candidate for one (not everyone is) and also get a fee quote. The fees for this procedure vary from state to state, office to office.

Compare that quote to one from your general dentist for a (3-unit) bridge, and take it from there.

:)

Answer 2

Is there SOME pain -- yes, of course. Is it longterm unbearable.. no. The extractions will be the most 'acute' pain -- They will give you a narcotic, opiate, medication to take after the extractions that will handle the pain. After a few days the pain is usually so minor advil/ibuprofen handles it fine and the narcotic pain relievers aren't needed. Though feel free to use them as long as the pain exists.. the surgeons/dentists have no problem prescribing them for legitimate pain, and if what they give you for some ODD reason doesn't work well enough, there are a vast array of medications that WILL. The key with this is to take the pain killer right after the procedure and continue the 4-6hr schedule so the pain never breaks through and becomes an issue. Your dentist/surgeon will instruct you in post care, what to expect, salt water rinses,.. and all of that. To put it into perspective,.. I have had 3 wisdom teeth extracted,.. All of them under local anesthesia (I was awake completely.. ) -- None had excruciating pain, and I ate the same day (subway) with all. I did take the pain medication, but it was only needed for the first day,.. I could have gotten away with Ibuprofen on day 2-4 .. With multiple teeth being pulled simultaneously,.. generally there can be more swelling, and overall trauma in the mouth -- so the pain can be a bit greater. But not that much. Many people go with 4+ teeth pulled and have minimal discomfort. Some have a tough time with it, and swell up like a balloon -- but often this can be prevented with elevation, proper pain medication intake,.. take the anti-emetic (ie: Phenergan) with the pain medicine so you don't vomit and so on. You should worry more about keeping the sockets in good care than how bad it will hurt -- everyone goes through this in some form (most) -- so it can't be that bad. :) The braces are entirely different. The fact that you have empty gum space won't make the braces hurt more or less. Moving teeth is moving bone through the jaw. It is quite an amazing thing actually -- but the pain from braces is going to be strongest and generally only perceivable on the day you get them, and the days they are 'tightened'. Teeth do hurt for a day or so when you just get braces tightened, which is part of the process to continue putting pressure on them to have them move to the right places. Though this isn't bad pain -- they don't even typically give medication for it (although at request they might).. If you even need to take a pain aid, Ibuprofen should be just fine. You have nothing to worry about. Also, the empty sockets *may* speed the process at which the adjacent teeth move into that area. Don't hold me to that , however, while in the medical field I am not an orthodontist. Your doctor will be able to answer that one.

Answer 3

There is such a thing as an implant. The are very expensive ($5,000+) and not every dentist can perform the surgery. I would talk to your dentist about your options/cost and whether or not you are even a candidate for the procedure.

I know how you feel as I have had molars removed. Not only is there an empty spot, but eating certain foods can prove to be difficult.

I am sure that your dentist told you this already, but while you are healing, don't drink from a straw, smoke or anything else that will create a suction in your mouth. All of those actions can give you a dry socket. If you get one of those, then you will know it...they hurt like heck. Also, if you have any swelling, lightly apply an ice pack to you face for a few minutes at a time to help bring the swelling down.

Hope it all works out for you. Take care.

Answer 4

Yes, it is possible. It depends on a few things. YOu need to go into an oral surgeon or periodontist for a consultation to see if you are even a candidate for implants. After the tooth is removed, the bone has to heal and regenerate to support the implant. FYI, implants require a lot of maintenence, so good oral hygiene is a must. I hope this helps you. Also, many insurances will not cover the implant itself, just the crown, so expect to pay out of pocket for the implants and abutments. I hope this helps you!

Answer 5

That hole in your gums will fill in. Your gums will eventually grow over to fill the hole. If you are worried about the gap there, you can have an implant put in but they are extremely expensive. Mind you that the gap can cause your teeth to shift causing gaps in your other teeth as well. You can have a bridge put there in place of that missing tooth (that is more cost effective) but most bridges fail due to decay under the bridge. I would suggest getting an implant if it really bothers you that much. There is an dental credit card you can apply for called care credit that may assist in the cost. You can charge your treatment to that and then pay it out like a credit card.

Answer 6

yes you can get a ceramic tooth to replace the one that was removed, and the socket will fill in with new gum tissue after time. you can also see about getting a bridge to replace to tooth thats missing which is a little bit cheaper than having a ceramic tooth surgically implanted. talk to your dentist about thses options

Answer 7

I've had 2 molars removed and after awhile the other teeth will move closer together. They did with me anyway.

Answer 8

The hole will eventually close up, don't worry about it. Just make sure you keep it clean because if food gets in there, then it can cause an infection.

Answer 9

Don't worry,
At first it feels a little strange, but in a short while you'll get used to it.
Before you know you won't miss 'm at all.

Answer 10

You should check this out. It's a little expensive, but it does exactly what you want it to.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_implant