HI. I just had a cracked tooth pulled that had a fistula below it for several years. I kept hearing that term fistula at the dentist and he would ask if I had any pain and I said no and that was it. I then looked it up and realized I have an infection in my body (and have had it for more than 10 years) and booked an appt to have the tooth removed (#18)
My options are wide open but I think I am leaning towards an implant. Not because I'm excited about foregoing vacation dollars, but because it seems to be a practical solution to a missing tooth.
Am I missing something? Other than expensive, does anyone see anything wrong with going this route?
Also, the surgeon (not my regular dentist) said there was so much infection so far back that she put me on antibiotics and wants to see me back in 4 weeks. Won't my teeth move? Any advice is truly appreciated. Also, I am brand new to the forum so if I've done something wrong, just tell me!
Zora

Welcome to Neuro Talk. There is lots of discussion about this on the dental forum. There is nothing wrong with implants as long as there is good bone for the implant. You may require some special treatments to get ready for one. Bryanna is tops at this and will be here to address your situation. I have a device called a nesbit. Small very effective inexpensive alternative to an expensive implant. I did not have enough bone for an implant. I hope the best for you. Let me know you do. ginnie

Thanks Ginnie,
I had the tooth removed today and she wants to be sure I am completely free of infection because this had me stressed. She thinks the bone is good but wants to see me back in 4 weeks.

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

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

Hi zora,

Your teeth may shift a bit....but everyone is different. No major shifting will occur within the next several months so try not to worry about it.

Bryanna