Would LOVE some answers before appt. on Thursday

[Crazy4Snow]

I, unfortunately, have to have 2 teeth pulled, failed root canals. They are next to each other, on my lower left, the next to last molar and the one in front of it. WHAT in the world are they gonna do with that space??? I would think a bridge before braces is not an option for obvious reasons, it would crack with movement. And implants are anchored in your jawbone, correct? So that couldn't move either, right? Will they just leave that huge space? How will I chew???

I have the teeth pulled this Thursday and I want to be educated before the appt. so any and all input is welcome.

[ashesgap]

If i'm understanding correctly, those would be your 1st molar and 2nd pre-molar. I really think you just have to put up with the empty space. You're right that they can't put anything there while you're braced. After a while i think you'll just get used to those teeth not being there and end up chewing on the other side. Luckily when you're ready to replace them you can do the implants and only have to have one post put in for two teeth to be attached to. Since i have to have two canine implants i've researched this a lot...check out this site.
http://www.clearchoice.com A lot of good info on this site, even if they aren't in your area.
Good luck!

[blindboarder2008]

I was in a similar situation as you. Before I got my braces on, and the thought of even getting braces, I had a root canel done by my now old dentist. Unfortunately the dentist that did the root canel only filled 1 out of the 3 canels in the tooth and as a result the area kept getting infected. When I moved and got a new dentist, he wasn't sure if he could fix up the tooth with the failed root canel, so they tried and it was okay for a little and then it started to get infected again. It was then decided that I would get the tooth removed and I was left with a space at the top left back corner of my mouth (one of the main molers that you use for chewing). So when I got braces, the ortho wanted to create a bit more space and wanted the space to remain there so that eventually I could get an implant. They used a spring sorta like looking thing to attach to the teeth on either side of the teeth. They would activate the spring some times during the treatment so increase and and stimulate the teeth around there to move to create a good space. When I got debraced, I was given an essix retainer for the top teeth where the space was so that I could keep the space open enough and it would be ready for when I could get an implant. I was then diagnosed with TMJ shortly after, so the implant surgery was put on hold until they could get my tmj issue settled down a bit more. I just recently went to the dentist (last week) and they wanted to examine the space to see what they should be doing. My TMJ is settling down it seems now so they are thinking of doing an implant in that area now. I go next week actually for more measurments and x rays to double make sure that I can indeed get the implant in that space but it is looking very favorable for me! So in short, don't worry they will take care of that space during your braces and more then likely you will get a tiny little spring installed on your braces wire to help keep the space for the implant!