Tooth extraction

[Jaimie]

Hi

I am 27 years old and still have one baby tooth that seems to be hanging on to my gum. Since last week, the tooth has been hurting every time I put any pressure on it when I am eating even soft foods.

This tooth is still there, because my permanent tooth went in a wrong direction in my jaw and was extracted when I was a teenager. Now I just want the pain that I have to stop. I know that that the tooth will probably have to be removed because its pretty loose.

Do you recommend a tooth extraction for my tooth? What can be done with the gap once the tooth is extracted? I wouldn't want to have a gap for too long after the tooth extraction, because a gap will show when I smile. Please advise.

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

If the baby tooth is simply hanging on to the gum and has no bone support around it and is very loose, then a tooth extraction would be justified.

If the baby tooth is removed, you have the option of a conventional/adhesive bridge, denture or an implant. You could probably have an immediate denture or bridge or even an implant placed if its clinically feasible, so you will not be left with a gap.