I loosened my left lower front tooth by bridge accident, causing an abcess.  This was succesfully treated with an antibiotic but shortly developed major caries in the other three lower teeth, followed by the traumaless loss of the original tooth at the gum line. I feel there is serious trouble in my lower front jaw. What can you advise? Iam 81.

Dr Slota: George, you need to see your dentist.  Even at 81 you could live many more years with good dental care.  Socializing with friend and meals become even more important for seniors like yourself.  Good teeth are needed for both. If your teeth are decayed you need to have that treated.  Bridges and implants are the best treatment for missing teeth.  A removable treatment partial can replace  one  or more teeth.  It will not be as functional as the first two choices.