I have been looking thru the advice here. I was told I need an implant at the site of tooth #18, I had a root canal and the post was not long enough I think I have had low level infection at that site since 1994 (yikes) anyway in '05 the crown failed and was replaced with a new crown that was a little too high--thus the tooth cracked and was extracted and was according to the oral surgeon who pulled it somewhat infected (the area around) The tooth came out very easy in two parts. So how important is an implant realy? I assume the back part of my lower jaw is the strongest, does bone loss spread? wont the 'hole' fill in with bone? can I just do a bone graft with no implant? any advice apreciated.

If you're not bothered by not having a tooth there, and especially if there is no upper tooth opposing it, you probably don't need an implant. Yes, the hole will fill in with bone. It can take months but you shouldn't need a bone graft unless the infection left a large defect. If you miss the tooth when you eat, then you can have an implant placed.

there is an upper tooth will this be affected by not having a tooth under it?

Thank you for the opinions do far it is good to know I have an option. so as I consider if an implant is right I would like opinions on the importance of an implant for protecting my other teeth, both the upper that won't have ant resistance and the near by teeth.

The upper tooth will tend to "super erupt" or extrude over time if there is no lower tooth for it to occlude with. Take a list of all your questions to your dentist. He/she should be able to explain everything to your satisfaction. A second opinion wouldn't hurt, either.

thank you Soli, I will take a list of questions, <removed> /my dentist and the oral surgeon already indicated they feel implant is best, and that may be, but I want to research, woulld love to see studies of failure rates etc, What brands or shapes/material work best. <removed> Thank you.