Should I consider a dental implant on tooth 6? (photos)

It sounds like you've had a journey with this tooth (#6), especially with a previous root canal and the recent crown placement. Experiencing initial relief in other areas like your sinuses and shoulder might suggest some alignment or inflammation benefits, even though it didn't fully sustain. Deciding on an implant is significant and worth careful consideration, particularly if you're looking for a long-term solution for stability and comfort.
Here are some factors you might consider for a dental implant:
• Durability: Implants generally provide a very long-lasting solution compared to crowns or repeated root canals. They function like natural teeth, allowing for better chewing and comfort.
• Bone Health: Implants can help prevent bone loss that might occur with missing or compromised teeth. Since your tooth already had a root canal, this might be a factor in preserving jawbone structure.
• Healing and Integration: Implants require a period of healing and osseointegration, where the bone fuses with the implant. It’s essential to have good bone density in that area. Your dentist or oral surgeon may suggest a bone graft if needed.
• Maintenance and Oral Hygiene: Since you’re already on a better oral care routine, maintaining an implant should fit into that well. Good hygiene is crucial to prevent peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
• Cost and Time: Implants can be more costly upfront, and the process can take several months, including healing. However, many find the investment worthwhile for the comfort and permanence they provide.
Given your history, a consultation with an implant specialist could help you weigh these factors. They can assess your bone structure and discuss options specific to your situation. The shift in comfort you experienced might indicate that the crown is affecting surrounding structures, so an implant could offer a more balanced solution.
Best regards, Dr. Miller Vieira Paula