Implant necessary?

Hello,
Long story short -  I had two molars (lower right first, and upper left first) extracted about 11 years ago and never had any type of tooth replacement done. Recently I've had extensive periodontal work done, which went well. But my question is: The periodontist keeps hounding me about getting implants or at least bridge work done to replace the extracted teeth from 11 years ago. He said the neighboring teeth and the one above/below them will shift and fall out. After 11 years, haven't my adjacent teeth done all the shifting they are going to do? Don't teeth ever stop shifting?
Before I sink $4000 for each implant (considering there is enough bone to work with), I want to be sure that it is a dire need. It is not cosmetically or physically bothersome for me to not have the teeth in these places and I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to, as you all know these times are tough.

Thanks,
Irishdrumrboy

[S D Buck, DDS, LVIM]

Your situation is a longer term concern. Your not likely to experience pain and immediate crisis for some time. The issue is over a number of years your bite will shift and collapse unfavorably. This could lead to a number of problems including wearing of other teeth; increased clenching and bruxing casing damage to teeth; pain and headaches and pain in and around neck and face; TMJ joint problems and degenerative changes; lost bone around teeth if bite forces are increasd due to and unstable bite. I would ask you to consider what your preferred dental future is and if you are okay with  more dental problems in later life.... some people are not concerned much about this and some are and want to do all they can to save their teeth