(Concern) I'm worried that the timing for the implant might be too early.

My teeth are not particularly healthy, and I don't do thorough dental care, so I go to the dentist just like the average person.

I had a cavity and received treatment for it. At first, I didn't know anything and got it filled with amalgam, but as I started socializing, the visible amalgam when I smiled bothered me, so I had it filled with resin.

When the time came, my wisdom tooth, which was growing crookedly sideways and pushing against my molar, was causing cavities to form easily, so I had it removed.

 

The lower molars on both sides have always been problematic, but at some point, the upper right molar started clicking.

Then I felt a toothache and decided to go to the hospital quickly, and I was told that there was already an inflammation near the root of my molar and that I needed root canal treatment.

I didn't know anything about aesthetics and thought that root canal treatment would eliminate pain and inflammation, so I underwent the treatment.

 

 

Since then, I should have been diligent with follow-up care, and I did receive root canal treatment and regularly went for check-ups for a while, but when COVID-19 broke out, I didn't go to the hospital at all for about two years.

Unaware that it was gradually worsening during that time.

 

At first, I thought the abscess-like swelling on the gum of the treated tooth was just inflammation that was getting better, but it turned out that the abscess was forming on the weaker skin side due to inflammation and then completely shifted towards the root area.

I happened to have some fillings done with resin, and after they cracked, I started visiting the hospital regularly for treatment. Recently, I've been experiencing food getting stuck between my upper molars suddenly.

Kim, I have never experienced anything like that, even when things like seasoned vegetables or meat start to get stuck.

 

What is this? I was just getting a regular check-up and during my cleaning, I casually mentioned that food often gets stuck. The doctor then suggested taking a 3D X-ray.

After looking at the picture, the doctor said that the inflammation has worsened, causing the roots to decay significantly, and the tooth has slightly lowered compared to the neighboring tooth, which is why a gap has formed and food is starting to get stuck.

I was only thinking, "Do I need to undergo root canal treatment again?" but suddenly I was told that I might need to get an implant.

 

I used to think that, at least for me, implants are something that only people in their 60s or 70s, who have no teeth and need dentures, would get.

I'm now in my late 40s, and you're talking about implants?

I felt a bit sad thinking that I have already reached that age, but I also heard that implants are not permanent and even with good care, they last about 10 years. I wondered if it was the right time to do it at this age.

 

 

I heard that implants are the last resort, but if even the implant reaches the end of its lifespan, then you have to get another implant or undergo bone graft surgery, right?

Hearing those stories, I can't help but worry and wonder if it's really too early to do it at such a young age.

It takes at least six months to assess the condition after extracting a tooth, and the costs, the time, and the psychological burden are all very heavy.

 

If recovery is impossible anyway, I'm not sure whether it's better to proceed quickly or to manage the situation now to prevent further deterioration and delay the implant timing as much as possible.

I sometimes hear stories from people who started at a young age, but I am really worried whether what I am doing now is truly the best choice.