pros and cons of having tooth implant done?

[ver]

This is for an adult (still breastfeeding) that had a molar pulled out and the dentist recommends a tooth implant. My feeling is that I should just leave it be, the gap I mean. But I'm told by friends and family and dentists that it's recommended to have an implant done before too long (it's been over 1 year and half that it was pulled). I'm worried about what could get into the breastmilk and also I'm wondering if it's really necessary? Help me make up my mind as to what to do. Thanks.

[honolula]

I don't have any info related to brestfeeding. I was advised to get dental implants to avoid bone loss in the jaw. There's a lot of info on the web about it. This may be a one-sided allopathic POV, but it's what I was told.

BTW this was years ago. My teeth were too crowdeed for the implants, so I still use my bridge and I haven't had any noticeable bone degeneration or gum recession. You may just want to talk to your dentist about watching and keeping an eye on it until you're done BFing, tho you may have a hard time covincing a typical dentist that your concerns about dentistry and BFing are valid.

[skai]

I've had one done. The reasons for it were that the gap where my tooth used to be would gradually also affect the counterpart tooth and my bite would worsen. The teeth around the gap could start moving. Implant is also more sturdy than a bridge and after it's fused and healed, is actually just like a tooth.

That said, I had some complications. The implant site got infected and the infection went to my jawbone. The area swelled and a nerve got pinched. I was in incredible nerve pain for two months and had to get antibiotic injections and eat tons of pain pills. I was a mess. Finally it healed but there's still a small spot on my face just around where the implant was placed where I have a weird sensation, a kind of numbness. The spot is about the size of my fingertip. I've gotten used to it.

I've now had my implant for 2,5 years and after the infection cleared, have had no problems with it. I have to have excellent dental hygiene (but that's good to have anyway) and go for checkups and cleanings twice a year.