Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/16/2009

Question
Hello, I had my back upper right tooth, not the very back, but 1 in removed completely.  I have a choice to obtain an implant which will cost $3500.00 with no coverage.  I am thinking of leaving it as gap is not seen when I smile, but I am afraid of my teeth shifting and or my cheek caving in that area.  I am 47 years old, do I need to worry about either of these incidents at my age?   Kathy

Answer
Kathy -  Unfortunately, shifting of the teeth after an extraction in a tooth such as yours is quite likely.  That shift is not a straight forward one, but more of a tipping.  The main problem would be a shifting of your whole bite since the foundation of the bite is usually created in those back teeth.

So it seems you have only two possible ways of keeping that space open.  One by and implant or a 3 unit bridge from the tooth behind the space and the tooth in front bridging the gap.  By the way 47, in dental terms is not an old age at all.  So you have decisions to make.  I wish you well and hope you make one that works out well for you.