Q.
I recently had my 1st upper premolar removed after it broke and was unable to be restored. What I would like to know is as follows. (1) Is it normal for the adjacent canine tooth to feel a little numb following extraction? (2) Is it normal for me to feel this canine tooth resting on my upper lip much more, following the removal of the first premolar? I assumed that this is because there is no longer a premolar there to fill out that side of my mouth. (3) During the healing process is it normal for the gum to look white where the tooth was extracted? I am due to return to the dentist in a couple of weeks for a check up, but I am unsure as to which tooth restoration method would be best for me. And would very much appreciate if you could advise me on this matter. I am not keen on having a bridge to replace this tooth because the 2nd upper premolar next to the one that was removed has already been restored with a filling. Neither do I want to grind my canine tooth down in order to place a crown on it in preparation for a bridge. I am also unsure about how a partial denture works, but I do know that I prefer not to choose a restorative treatment that will detrimentally compromise the health of the adjacent teeth to the one that was removed. I have heard about dental implants but considering that I had the tooth removed very recently. I would like to know, ideally how long after tooth extraction should this procedure be performed? This is in consideration of potential bone loss and the healing process following tooth extraction. Although I prefer the option of a single dental implant, my main concern is the cost of this procedure. Due to a low income, what I would like to know is what would you advice would you give me in terms of researching this option considering my financial circumstances. I have heard that some dental schools offer this treatment at a reduced price but I am weary of the amount of expertise and experience these dentists will have in performing this procedure. Currently residing in the East Midlands, UK I am unsure as to whom I could be referred to with regards to this form of restorative treatment. I would ideally like to be referred to someone either in the East Midlands or London area who won’t charge me extortionate prices or who allows you to pay for the treatment gradually or on some type of dental plan. I am also unsure if dental implants are available on the NHS to someone in my circumstances. If it isn’t available on the NHS, could you please tell me on average how much the full course of dental implant treatment would cost on this tooth? I would be very grateful if you could advise me as to what my best course of restorative treatment would be in your opinion. As well as recommend someone that you find to be a trusted, qualified and very experienced dental implant surgeon to me if this form of dental restoration treatment does turn out to be an option for me. Many thanks for your help