Lost back molars: Are dental implants an option?

dental implantsDental implants can be used to replace any missing teeth, including front teeth and back molars. Implants are a flexible treatment option because they can easily replace even a single tooth. Some people feel that the back molars are expendable, and that you can easily live without these teeth. However, there are many reasons why replacement is a better option.

The Role of the Back Molars

For most people, the molars located the farthest back in the mouth are the second molars. These four teeth generally arrive at around the age of twelve. For some people, the farthest back teeth will be the third molars, or wisdom teeth, but the majority of people must have these molars extracted because there is not enough room.

The second molars are important for thorough chewing and to maintain the health of your jawbone and remaining teeth. Though some people who have lost second molars feel that they are still able to chew comfortably, in the long term it is better to replace these teeth if they have been lost to gum disease, decay, trauma, or other issues.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great option to replace lost back molars because they function just like your natural teeth. They supply functional chewing surfaces as well as a tooth root that is anchored in the jawbone. By replacing missing back molars, you can ensure that your remaining teeth will remain properly aligned.

Another risk involved in a lost back molar is that the opposing molar could continue to emerge from the gums and eventually move too far because there is no longer an opposing tooth to stop it. This could lead to more damage and eventually loss of another tooth.

The best way to find out what dental implants can do to maintain the health of your mouth is to consult with our oral surgeon.

If you would like more information about implants, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.

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