Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi zora,

Your dentist should have informed you of what a fistula was when it first appeared. Living with this infection in your jaw bone for 10 years was not healthy. Thank goodness that tooth is finally out!

It is questionable whether that site is going to be healthy enough to have an implant due to the long standing infection. The OS wants you back in 4 weeks to see if the infection is still present. This site may be questionable regarding a dental implant as the long standing infection has certainly compromised the jaw bone. It is best not to hurry placing an implant in that spot. Let it heal for at least 6 months to make sure the infection is gone and the bone is healthy. Yes, you will have some bone loss but if you rush into doing the implant the risk of implant failure will be pretty high given the circumstances.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by zora dougherty

Bryanna,

I should have asked what on earth a fistula was. I like the oral surgeon, she wanted to be sure it was completely healed as well.

Do you think my teeth will shift around since tooth 18 is now gone? If so, is there anything I could do to mitigate the movement?

Z