Implant v. Not

[jokingaside]

So I've had a missing molar (lower Right 7) since 2007. The opposing tooth's lowered a bit since accd. to the x-ray I just took. My question regards whether or not an implant would be worth the cost. How much lower will the tooth fall/are there any major unanticipated problems besides a potential gap between 6&7?

Thanks!

[turkee23]

im confused tooth #7 is in the front of your mouth, its not a molar,its an incisor

[Gellia]

Hi again,
There's really not much you can do with a tooth that is supra-erupting.  They generally have to come out if they create a problem.

The only time a missing tooth becomes a real problem is if there is a space in FRONT of it.  The teeth will naturally try to drift to the midline of the mouth.  If it's the very back tooth missing it shouldn't create too much of a problem with the lower teeth, just the upper and the supra-eruption that can occur.  

An implant in the lower No7 position would solve the problem unless the upper tooth has erupted too far.  You would need an evaluation to tell for sure.

GOOD LUCK and let us know how you are doing.  
My very best to you,
Gellia

[jokingaside]

Thanks for the quick reply, Gellia.

The missing molar in question's no. 7 on the lower right side, so there's nothing immediately behind it. It hasn't affected function much and hasn't been a bother.

But ...so the tooth can fall out completely? Ach! Thanks for the info. This radically changes my thought process. Do you know of any other ways to prevent further slippage?

Language barriers with my current dentist prevent a convo. of this magnitude.

Thanks!

[Gellia]

Hi,
There are two problems a missing tooth can generally cause.  One, as you are finding out, the tooth above will supra-erupt.  Eventually that tooth will be lost if it's already dropping and continues,  unless you get some opposition to it.
And, second, the tooth behind will try to drift forward to close the gap.  This can also cause loss of that tooth.

Please go and be evaluated for either of those two conditions and see what is your best course of treatment.  An implant would solve both problems providing you have enough bone to support one.

Hope this helps.
My best to you,
Gellia