Implant for Third Molar necessary?

[SoyMilk]

Hi all,

I am female and 34 years old.

Middle of this year my dentist extracted my third molar (I think it is my last tooth, the 7th on the top left side), because it was growing in the wrong direction inside the other teeth.

Right now he recommends me to make, if possible within the next months, a new implant.

By the other hand, my cousin who is dental technician disagrees and says that there is absolutely no need to make an implant at this position. Enlongation of the opposite tooth is not very probably and can take years, so I am always on time to react.

At this stage I am insecure and I do not know what to do ? I really would appreciate help and some suggestions. Attached an X-ray of my jaw

Thanks in advance!
Soymilk

 

[bcjch]

I'm no expert, but I asked some of these questions a few years ago when I had upper molars removed.

The elongation of the opposing tooth is not a given. It will never happen to some people, and it does take time.

Also, it was my impression that tooth elongation is more likely to occur when a lower molar is removed, as gravity will eventually draw the opposing upper molar downward.

The one reason I might consider the implant is that teeth tend to shift forward, filling gaps, as time goes by. If the implant is being recommended in response to a specific complication that you're more at risk for, then maybe have one. If you're only missing one upper molar and there are no other issues, though, it won't be difficult to live with the gap - hasn't been for me.

 

[comfortdentist]

I have done 1 third molar implant and only because the patient said she really missed it. In my opinion she went through a lot for very little gain but to her it made a difference.
I have never recommended an implant for a third molar.

 

[SoyMilk]

Thanks a lot for your both answers and help. According to the dentist time runs, but I understand I can take my time, even years, to take a decision?!

 

[ScaredyCat22]

This is the first time I have ever heard of anyone even considering spending that kind of money to replace a wisdom tooth. but I am not a dentist. most people end up extracting theirs. Everyone I know has lost at least 1-4 wisdom teeth and nobody I know has replaced them. I never replaced mine and don't miss them at all

 

[SoyMilk]

I am sorry, but probably I made a mistake by explaining myself.

Actually the tooth I was talking about is the 2nd molar. And not the 3rd molar or wisdom tooth. In the year 2013 my wisdom tooth came out and destroyed this 2nd molar. So finally both have been extracted.