I had a root canal several years ago on my upper left molar. It broke off and now needs to be extracted. My dentist said I can now have artificial bone put in, and then, after 6 months, have an implant. I recently went to another dentist for a second opinion, and he agreed that it should be removed.
I realize that I should get it removed. However, my question is about the effects of getting a tooth removed, and not getting an implant, but instead getting a removable ‘partial’. My dentist says that if I get only a “partial”, that my bone can receed over the years, and I can eventually lose the teeth on both sides of the extracted tooth area. Is that your opinion also? Do I need to get this implant, or will a ‘partial’ be acceptable? I am just a little fearful of getting an implant. Thanks for your help.
- Erica in Virginia
Erica,
You have three acceptable choices to replace a single tooth. A dental implant, a dental bridge, or a removable partial denture.
Yes, when you have a tooth extracted, the bone does resorb where that tooth used to be. But that doesn’t affect the adjacent teeth, only the space. If you have a removable partial, it will clip to those two teeth on either side and hold them in place.
A bridge is a much better tooth replacement because it doesn’t collect debris, it is much more comfortable (the hardware on a removable partial is uncomfortable in your mouth), and is more stable.
A dental implant is also an excellent tooth replacement. It’s nice because you don’t alter the teeth on either side of the space. But if you’re afraid of an implant, in many cases a bridge will do just as well.
I’m suspicious of this dentist who says what you told me about a removable partial. The information appears slanted. And if he didn’t also offer you the option of a dental bridge, I don’t understand why.