Missing a molar. Is an implant a good idea?!
Question:
Missing a molar. Is an implant a good idea?
I am missing my lower left second molar (#18 for you dentists). My dentist tells me the upper one will eventually fall out if I don't get an implant. Will that really happen and will it be a problem or is he trying to make some money? Will I have any other problems like bite issues too?
Answers:
MALLORY,
BECAUSE MOLARS ARE IMPORTANT,LOL, IF YOU LIKE CHEWING FOOD, THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED. IF IT'S POSSIBLE TO DO A CROWN ON #19 WITH A DISTAL EXTENSION THAT WOULD PROVIDE SOMETHING TO OPPOSE #15, THEN THIS IS AN OPTION. AN IMPLANT IS ANOTHER MORE EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE.
FYI IT TAKES YEARS FOR AN OPPOSING TOOTH TO CAUSE PROBLEMS.