Hi everybody,

I have a few questions for the members of this group regarding the options I have after an extraction that will leave me with only one molar on the upper right side.

Basically I have a bridge spanning 3 molars, with the missing molar in the middle. There is decay affecting one of the teeth , which will have to be extracted, After this procedure, I will be left with just one molar on that side, the one right next to the canine, so I won't have practically any chewing surface there.

I intend to have implants done to replace the missing teeth, but I understand that I have to wait several weeks after the extraction to start that process.

My concern is that in the meantime the corresponding lower right teeth will start shifting or erupting because there is nothing to stop them. How can I prevent that from happening? Somebody told me to keep pushing the teeth in with my finger several times a day - could that work?

I am also afraid that eating on just one side will affect the teeth on the "good" side also, and also the TMJ. Any opinions on this?

Once I start the implants, how soon can the temporary crowns be put in, so I can start eating normally?

I would really appreciate any opinions/advice on this.

Thanks,

adr

Your reply actually confirms what the oral surgeon said. I had the tooth extracted today and things are not as bad as I thought they would be - I can eat on the other side without too much trouble.

It will take 4 months before I can get the implants in, and then another 2 months to get the crowns on them, and I hope 6 months is soon enough not to have any lasting effect from all this.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

adr