Dentist Questions Dentist

Do you need to replace a back molar?

I am a 59 year old female. I want to know if I need to replace a back molar?

3 Answers

Which molar? If a wisdom tooth, likely no. If a tooth is lost, the teeth around it will shift. If you lose a lower back molar, eventually you could lose the one above it. It also depends on your bite. Some people have no issues, other people need their bite to be closer to perfect to avoid TMD pain and discomfort.

Alan B. Steiner, DMD

Good morning, 

You should replace a molar tooth, especially if it is your first molar. That is the most important chewing surface in the mouth.  

ANDRES BIAGGI, DMD 
The answer depends on a few factors. Dose the missing tooth have an opposing tooth that is used to work with? Do you miss chewing without it? Does it change the appearance of your Face? if the answer to any of these questions is yes, than you must replace the tooth. Tooth replacement can happen in several ways depending on where the missing molar is. Implant is the latest and the greatest technology we have. You can also get by with a partial denture or a bridge. Contact your dentist to see what option works best for you.