Hello. I have one congenitally missing tooth. It's the lower first molar. I am 27 but so far my dentist never told me that I risk losing that baby tooth. I thought it would stay forever in my mouth! But an X ray showed that apparently 'there isn't much root left' and the tooth might fall/break in 2-3 years. I have to add that my wisdom tooth is trying to come out on that side and doesn't have any space. I have just come back from a visit to the orthodentist who gave me too options:1) remove the baby tooth and wear braces on the upper and lower teeth for one and half years to push the other three teeth forward to fill in the fap(the other molars + the wisdom tooth which will slowly come out when the other two are pushed towards the front), or option 2) remove the wisdom tooth, the baby tooth, and have an implant placed. I'm in a real dilemma here. Braces are expensive, not really beautiful on a 27 year old, not comfortable but they are a natural choice. A surgery to remove my wisdom tooth and to insert an implant scares me, especially since I read that there's a risk of nerve damage. I was also told I'm quite young far an implant. I don't know what to do! I feel betrayed by my child dentist who didn't tell me I would have to face this decision earlier. I understand adults who wear braces but they do so because they want to have a pretty smile. My smile is fine as it is, so I don't see why I have to go through the whole braces story for a medical reason. Help!

Baby teeth are never permanent, it is an anomaly that you still have it ! You weren't betrayed, it was a natural progression. You are not too young for implants, and this sounds like your best option. Who ever told you implants cause nerve damage? You have been misinformed and at your age, you should know better

I had braces put on my teeth in my 30's because my bite was causing headaches. Yes, they can be expensive, but it is a solution. If you aren't happy with the suggestions you've been given, see a new specialist. Periodontists can give you implant information. A general dentist can speak to about a bridge if you don't want an implant.

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

I had braces put on my teeth in my 30's because my bite was causing headaches. Yes, they can be expensive, but it is a solution. If you aren't happy with the suggestions you've been given, see a new specialist. Periodontists can give you implant information. A general dentist can speak to about a bridge if you don't want an implant.

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I was hesitant to suggest a 'bridge' as OP seems to be confused about the two options she already has.

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Originally Posted by tickle

I was hesitant to suggest a 'bridge' as OP seems to be confused about the two options she already has.

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The OP definitely needs to seek more info. I'm sure there are plenty, but maybe her dentist isn't skilled in all areas.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18366437

Just one study that says they can cause nerve damage. Anything you do that involves your jaw can affect the nerves there. My boyfriend simply got his wisdom tooth removed and after 2 years he still doesn't have any feeling on his chin.

It's a surgery and it can be invasive. That's why I'm thinking about it.

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Originally Posted by fisk

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18366437

Just one study that says they can cause nerve damage. Anything you do that involves your jaw can affect the nerves there. My boyfriend simply got his wisdom tooth removed and after 2 years he still doesn't have any feeling on his chin.

It's a surgery and it can be invasive. That's why I'm thinking about it.

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OK then of you are against dental implants then that is not an option. As teach suggested there are the bridge options, exactly what it says, bridges the gap and is attached to the teeth on either side. I have had mine for a good forty years and worked for the endodontist who installed them.

My dentist recommends dental implants and I don't know anyone who is having difficulty with them, including my husband, but one can find fault in almost anything these days.

I don't know what more we can suggest, the ultimate decision rests with you and your pocket book.