What is the risk of not replacing an extracted tooth with an implant?

Question

I need to have tooth #18 removed as the root canal and crown have failed. What is the risk of not getting an implant? I'm hesitating to do so because it will delay the start of my meds for osteoporosis (all dental work must be completed beforehand). I have full blown osteoperosis which may get worse because I'm on aromatose inhibitors (for breast cancer recurrence). I don't feel comfortable waiting 6-8 months for the implant procedure to be completed.

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

A dental Implant is a great idea before you begin treatment.  Find a surgeon who s doing immediate placement implants.  The tooth is removed, the implant placed and the bone graft is down at the same time.  There are even fast integrating implants that heal in 2 months!!!  If time is your issue, there are solutions.  You could start the osto meds sooner with the newer technologies.

Reginald O'Neill, BDS, MSc · Answer

We know that only a healthy tooth or a dental implant will maintain jaw bone dimensions which will atrophy (shrink) after tooth loss.  However looking at the bigger picture in your case one isolated lower second molar is not a significant tooth to replace with an implant in the presence of significant systemic disease.  Controlling your osteoporosis and keeping cancer risk lower is your main medical concern and you will likely be taking bisphosphonate medication soon in addition to your current prescription.  This helpfully interferes with bone metabolism in osteoporosis sufferers but can lead to complications with bone and implant healing and nasty bone healigng side effects that are difficult to treat.  I would be very cautious about putting your missing molar ahead of your serious medical issues and my advice would be to concentrate on the osteoporosis and cancer treatment as a priority.  You will not notice any loss of dental function from your one missing tooth and it is not a visible tooth when smiling.

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

If you decide not to place an implant tooth on #18, you will likely lose #15 (the tooth above #18) in due time.  Without the stimulus of biting, the tooth will drift downwards and then need extraction to avoid tmj issues.  So if you give up one tooth, you really give up two teeth.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

You do not have any problem setting an implant , actually its better for you , that way you will preserve the bone height on that area , and this will benefit also the contiguous teeth . There are several techniques to work this out. Hope this helps.

What is the risk of not replacing an extracted tooth with an implant?

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Answer: Dental Implants

Answer: Dental Implants

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What is the risk of not replacing an extracted tooth with an implant?

Answers (4)

Answer: Dental Implants

Answer: Dental Implants

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.