Yet another question about teeth ... what do you do with the gap if you have an extraction?

[Miaou]

My teeth are in pretty good shape in general, but one tooth in particular has been filled so many times, and each time the filling drops out it takes a bit more tooth with it, and I've a feeling that this time the dentist will say it'll have to come out (it is root filled too so I presume that means it can't be capped.

I read the other thread about extractions so I'm geared up for that ... but what do you do about the gap? It's the sixth tooth back so not particularly noticeable, but would probably show if I laugh, and I am bound to be self-conscious about it, but is there any alternative?

nothing. stick your tongue in it. peanuts get stuck in it . was horrified at the thought of losing a tooth but its really not that bad. sounds like same(ish)place. it can be capped with a root filling though, Iv'e got one at the front

i am sure it'll be fine... but if not they can do a bridge i think

or if you;re "lucky" enough to haev an overcrowded mouth like me your other teeth will move forward and fill the gap!

I have dreadful gaps in my teeth thanks to bungled orthodondistry back in the dark ages when I was a girl. Haven't gone for caps because the rest of my teeth are really quite good and I can't face a mouthful of plastic. I ought to be very selfconscious about them, and I do sometimes wonder if everyone notices and mutters, but very few poeple seem to (curiously enough one of the few people who's ever enquired about them subsequently became the father of my chidren).

I too have had many a tooth out in my younger years - i think it was called 'experimental dentistry gone wrong'

Over time they have closed up a bit and look less obvious, you may find yours would also. I don't feel in the slightest self conscious and never have had a comment about them. Don't worry about it.

I too have had many a tooth out in my younger years - i think it was called 'experimental dentistry gone wrong'

Over time they have closed up a bit and look less obvious, you may find yours would also. I don't feel in the slightest self conscious and never have had a comment about them. Don't worry about it.

Miaou, if it has a root filling it should have a crown or large filling across the biting surface to protect the tooth and root filling. These are less likely to break off unless the tooth underneath is already very broken down. You can get years from these.
If you do have a gap, and want it filled or it should be filled because say adjacent teeth will tip into the space, it may be possible to fill with a bridge or implant depending on the condition of the adjacent teeth and gums, whether you are a smoker etc. This needs careful planning considering of course the outcaome that you want, and how realistic this is.
BTW,it is highly unlikely that the gap will close itself, certainly not fully.
Replacement teeth are not a substitute for teeth, they are a substitute for no teeth, so hang on to yours as long as you can.

Thanks for the advice madchad and everyone. I now need to pluck up the courage to book an appointment!