My dentist says a dental implant won’t fit well in the space left from a missing tooth. When I was 15, I lost a tooth in an accident while horseback riding. Replacing the tooth was not an option for my parents. Now that I can afford it, I have seriously considered dental implants. My dentist shut me down on the idea, though. He says that my other teeth have shifted, and now the space is too small for an implant. So he wants to put a dental bridge in. He explained the process to me, and I really don’t like the idea of bothering my other teeth if I don’t have to. I would like to know if there is a way for me to get an implant. – Abell
Abell –
Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. We understand your concerns about getting a dental bridge instead of an implant.
Can You Get Implants If Your Teeth Shifted?
A dental implant mimics a natural tooth and does not need support from other teeth
If your teeth shifted, you may still be a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist may recommend orthodontics first to move your teeth to the correct position.
Reasons for getting braces may include:
- Creating space. Proper tooth alignment creates space for a dental implant.
- Correcting your bite. Well-aligned teeth improve your bite (how your upper and lower teeth meet).
- Preventing other dental concerns. Depending on the factors that cause your teeth to shift, inserting a dental implant in a space may stress adjacent teeth. Although your teeth may move, the dental implant will not.
What If a Space Is Too Small for an Implant?
Dental implants are available in varying diameters that resemble the size of the missing tooth. Sometimes spaces between lower teeth are too small for a standard dental implant. When that happens, a dentist may choose an implant with a smaller diameter.
Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.
