Extraction for a Very Loose Upper Molar

[pjc524]

Hi!

For the past few years, I’ve lived with an unstable upper molar. The tooth has a very old crown on it and the gums are recessed.

My dentist has worked with me to keep this tooth but now it really has to go — as soon as possible. It’s very loose now and is affecting my quality of life.

A bit more background…I finally conquered my fears and was able to get an implant on a lower molar last year. All is good except the crown on that implant is loose. I have an appointment in 4 days to address that but I’m also going to see if I can have the upper molar extracted at the same appointment.

Ideally, I’d get an implant but have bone loss in my upper jaw. My dentist isn’t confident that a bone graft will do the trick. So, it’s probably going to be a bridge. Not ideal…but that may be it.

Question: my tooth is extremely loose so wondering if this will make the extraction easier?

Also, I have quite a bit of travel coming up so won’t be able to start the bridge work for two months.

I am a very nervous patient. Any help with what to expect would be much appreciated

Pat

 

[Gordon]

Question: my tooth is extremely loose so wondering if this will make the extraction easier?

Yes, much easier. I've done a fair few with just my fingers (once the local is done).

Any help with what to expect would be much appreciated

Same as getting any tooth out, numbing gel, local anaesthetic, check the numbness, some pushing, some funny squelching noises (hopefully from the tooth, not the dentist!) bite on some gauze, job jobbed.

 

[pjc524]

Ah, thank you. That makes me feel so much better. Will report back.

 

[pjc524]

@Gordon,

I finally had my upper first molar extracted this past Tuesday. It was easy! Time in the chair, including numbing, was 20 minutes start to finish. I’m sure it was due in large part to the previous trauma, poor upper jaw bone structure and the fact that it was already quite loose.

I didn’t mention previously that the tooth directly in front of the first molar (I think the second bicuspid) has shown slight movement for some time now. My dentist noted that this tooth may strengthen a bit now that the other tooth is out. Being caught up in the moment, I neglected to get more detail on that. Does this sound possible to you? If so, how long would that take.

I’m going back in May for a bridge as the dentist believes my upper jaw will not support an implant (even though my lower jaw can — and has).

Lastly, I had very little bleeding which was great. Will I still form a clot and heal normally? It’s difficult for me to see what’s going on since it’s the upper molar.

Interested in hearing your thoughts on all of the above.

Thanks,
Pat

 

[Gordon]

Does this sound possible to you? If so, how long would that take.

Maybe, I'd expect to see some improvement in a couple of months at most.

Will I still form a clot and heal normally?

Yes, much smaller clot though since there isn't likely to be as much of a socket. Healing should be a bit quicker too.

 

[pjc524]

Thanks for your response. It’s been one week and happily, Ive had no discomfort at all. Granted, I’m not yet eating on that side and probably won’t for another week. But happy for the smooth process thus far.