Molar pull and Bone Grafts? (teeth, pulled, implant, pain)

[Balkins]

Hi Friends,...

Middle age male here. I've been fortunate with my teeth (i brush and floss everyday, all the time) and have all of them except one wisdom tooth (which was pulled 20 yrs ago).

However, it looks like i may have to have #32 (the very last tooth in the right back) pulled. Its a little loose and have a slight pain from it when i chew food. ALL OTHER teeth are fine (thank God i still have them all).

I talked with a Friend of mine who had this recently done and recommended a 'Bone Graft' to fill in the hole left by soon to be extracted Molar. He said otherwise, there will be a big hole there and it will take a long time to close and heal.

The bone Graft is supposedly made from cow bones.

1. Anyone have this Bone Graft done after an tooth pull?
2. Is this really recommended?
3. What could happen if i don't get the graft?
4. Bout how much extra do you think it might run? (my buddy said he paid extra $350 for graft)

*I sure would like to save that extra money (if possible).

Anyway, i sure do appreciate any input you can offer.

Thanks!

[Balkins]

I have to add (in case there is a mis-understanding)....i believe this tooth should be labeled #31 (after looking at some charts online). The wisdom tooth that was behind it was removed a long time ago (over 25 yrs ago).

In any case, it is the last tooth at the very back on the lower right side that is slightly loose.

*I am concerned about 'healing time' and dealing with the 'large hole' and blood issues, etc. that might come up.

Thanks again...

[bart0323]

If you are planning to get an implant in #31 or if the loss of #31 will lead to significant attachment loss on the distal aspect of #30, then you should get a bone graft.

[Balkins]

Originally Posted by bart0323

If you are planning to get an implant in #31 or if the loss of #31 will lead to significant attachment loss on the distal aspect of #30, then you should get a bone graft.

Thank you bart.

Not sure what 'attachment loss' means. Are you referring to some kinda 'physical support' that 31 may give to 30?

[bart0323]

Originally Posted by Balkins

Thank you bart.

Not sure what 'attachment loss' means. Are you referring to some kinda 'physical support' that 31 may give to 30?

Attachment refers to the amount of bone and gum that is anchoring your tooth into your jaw. If your #31 is already loose then you likely have a lot of attachment loss on #31. If #31 is positioned in such a way that it is causing attachment loss on #30 as well, then you should get a bone graft. Check with your dentist for more specifics.

[Balkins]

Originally Posted by bart0323

Attachment refers to the amount of bone and gum that is anchoring your tooth into your jaw. If your #31 is already loose then you likely have a lot of attachment loss on #31. If #31 is positioned in such a way that it is causing attachment loss on #30 as well, then you should get a bone graft. Check with your dentist for more specifics.

thank you Bart,

I don't feel any looseness in #30 at all. I press on it and have no pain and its solid. Its #31 that is a little loose.

ALSO, noticed a 'slight' nasty taste coming from #31 when i run my tongue BEHIND IT, where it meets the back gum (where i wisdom tooth once was).

Not too bad, but not pleasant, BUT i wonder if its starting to Rot?


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