Dentists: Dental question?!
Question: Dentists: Dental question?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110221072538AAdXn9j
I searched 'supraeruption' in the google search engine and got the page below;
http://www.sahajdental.com/rep_crown.htm
"Conclusion: Failure to replace a single molar tooth may start a chain of events : Supra-eruption, Tilt, Gum pockets, Decay, Bone loss. Over the years this can lead to the loss of all your teeth. Inserting a false tooth today will avoid grief and much greater expense tomorrow."
This scares the crap out of me...How long does this take? How many years does it take before problems become serious? I've been missing my top left premolar, bottom left second molar and my top right second molar for about 6 months...I don't have money to go to a dentist and get them fixed because my dad lost his job two years ago and things have been tight. Brings me to this question: how much would it cost to get three teeth placed in the spaces?? I looked it up and get nothing but crowns...which wouldn't help me seeing how there is nothing there to crown... please help if you know anything(:
Thanks in advance
Answers:
Missing second molars are not all that big a deal since there is nothing behind them to tip except maybe a wisdom tooth which you will probably want out at a later date anyway. I always try to save a tooth but when someone is down their 2nd molars, I'm not too concerned. In fact, when dentures are made, they usually don't have 2nd molars; they're really not necessary. The premolar is an issue but I wouldn't sweat it. Chances are the teeth above it are contacting other teeth so they will not supra-erupt. You're right that a crown doesn't make sense. It needs a tooth to go on. You are looking at an implant or bridge to solve your problem. Get into one of these when you can afford it but most likely you can go 5 years without too much tipping of your other teeth. Cost for these options may run $1500 to $4000 or so depending on what option you want to go with. Save $40 a month for 5 years and you'll have more than enough for a bridge.
I'm a dentist
Most of the time supraeruption occurs on the maxillary teeth. If you are missing your mandibular left second molar (tooth #18) then your maxillary left second (#15) is currently supraerupting. That is unless you have a posterior class II occlusal relationship. You probably don't. Your dentist likely would have told you already.
So how long does it take to experience supraeruption? Days. The rate at which the tooth erupts is slightly different for everyone, but if you don't have a tooth to replace #18 then you will eventually lose #15 as well.
You are already experiencing bone loss as well. When you lose a tooth, the bone remodels immediately and finishes the bulk of remodeling after about 6 months.
Tilt can occur on both jaws. It is most profound on mandibular posterior teeth.
You will need implants, bridges, or partial dentures to replace the missing teeth.
I am a dentist