─ A Journey Beginning with Wisdom Tooth Extraction ─
📖 Estimated reading time: 7–8 minutes
This article is for people who:
- Are in their 50s or older and worried about loose or missing teeth
- Are wondering, “Do I really need an implant?”
- Want to know the costs and treatment process
- Want to hear a real-life story from someone with the same struggles
The Conclusion First
At 50, I’m facing the fear of losing teeth and have decided to take on the challenge of dental implants.
This record is meant to give courage to anyone else who’s hesitating to take that first step.
Struggling to Take the First Step
It started with my left first molar becoming loose.
“I want to keep my own teeth as long as possible.”
“If it comes out, maybe a partial denture is enough.”
That’s what I thought.
But then, during a checkup, the dentist said,
“Your second molar is also a little loose.”
That moment, I realized I couldn’t put this off any longer.
So I began considering removing my wisdom tooth.
And then it hit me:
“My first molar is already useless. Maybe I should just pull it out completely?”
Losing the Joy of Eating
Chewing on the left hurt, so I only chewed on the right.
But then my right cheek started burning as if it were scalded.
I could still eat, but I couldn’t enjoy food anymore.
I swallowed food without chewing much.
And meals stopped tasting delicious.
Eating without savoring—it’s one of the saddest feelings.
The Day I Finally Made the Call
Even then, I was scared to take action.
So I came up with a plan:
“After a night shift, sober, looking at my work schedule—I’ll call.”
With trembling hands, I finally dialed.
September 17, 2025 (Wed), 2:30 PM
Appointment made: extraction of my lower right wisdom tooth.
When I hung up, I felt both fear and relief at the same time.
I also emailed about the possibility of implants, and the dentist replied:
“Let’s decide together at the next visit, including financial aspects.”
One step at a time—but I was moving forward.
Two Paths Ahead of Me
Option 1: “Go Straight to Implants”
- Extract the first molar → healing period → extract wisdom tooth → implant
👉 A faster decision, but carries the fear of “What if it’s not what I expected?”
Option 2: “Cautious Approach”
First, have the wisdom tooth extracted → then decide what to do with the first molar
(remove it and go for an implant, choose a partial denture, or keep it as long as possible)
👉 The advantage is that I can take my time and consider all the options.
👉 But there’s also the fear: “What if I choose a partial denture and the discomfort makes food taste less enjoyable?” And if I choose to keep the tooth, the risk of it getting worse never goes away.
Either way, there’s no turning back.
That’s why I’m leaving this struggle behind in my diary.
The High Cost—Is It Worth Paying?
Implants typically cost ¥300,000–¥500,000 (≈ $2,000–$3,500) per tooth.
- Surgery fee: ¥30,000
- Implant fixture: ¥170,000–¥250,000
- Crown (ceramic/zirconia): ¥60,000–¥150,000
- Bone graft (if needed): +¥50,000–¥200,000
So, about ¥400,000 (≈ $2,700) per tooth. Not cheap.
I thought:
“It’s a back tooth—appearance doesn’t matter much… but surely it won’t go over ¥1,000,000, right?”
But eating is my joy. I don’t golf, I don’t travel much—food is my hobby.
Some buy golf clubs, others save for trips.
For me, it’s an investment in teeth—for the sake of eating well.
Not just an expense, but an investment in my quality of life.
What I Want to Do After Treatment
- Bite into thick slices of chashu pork at my favorite ramen shop.
- Chew into a chargrilled steak and savor the burst of meat juices.
- Crack open a crispy rice cracker and feel the sound and texture through my whole body.
- And maybe cry into my ramen, simply grateful for the ability to eat normally again.
And one more promise to myself:
- Brush properly this time.
- No more going to bed drunk without brushing.
- Protect my teeth as carefully as I protect Momiji, my Shiba dog.
For this hope and determination, it’s worth moving forward—despite the fear.
Summary & Next Episode Preview
- My first molar is loose and painful
- My second molar is also at risk
- Wisdom tooth extraction is already scheduled
- I’m torn between plans, nervous about costs, but see it as an investment in my future
👉 Next time: “The Day of My Wisdom Tooth Extraction”
Will the anesthesia work? How painful is the extraction? What happens afterward?
💬 What was the scariest part of dental treatment for you?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
My Current Favorite Toothpaste
Before I end, let me share my favorite toothpaste these days:
“Nama-Ha EX” (a Japanese medicated toothpaste).
- Prevents periodontal disease
- Contains 13 kinds of herbal extracts with a natural herbal-mint flavor
- Tightening and antibacterial agent (Hinokitiol) to keep gums healthy
- Helps prevent gum swelling and bleeding
- Low-foaming, gentle on sensitive teeth
- Perfect for gum care in your 50s
👉 You can check it out here:
See on Amazon
See on Rakuten
■English Version – Recommended Articles
- Just like dental treatment, I also started exercising as part of my health check journey → Training for My Health Check: Running and Marathon Challenge
- Preparing for dental treatment reminded me of the importance of everyday preparedness too → 5 Must-Have Apps for Typhoon Days in Your 50s
- After treatment, I look forward to enjoying delicious meals with Momiji again → A Day at Ninomiya Azumayama Park, Fried Horse Mackerel, and Family Time
コメント