I Have Lost Both Teeth 30 and 31. Would It Be Okay to Have Only 30 Replaced with an Implant?

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missing teeth

4 Doctor Answers | Asked by cmo1305

Doctor Answers (4)
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Replacement of both or one molar

Hi Replacement of tooth #30 and 31 is recommended as both teeth are involved in the chewing function. However if there are financial reasons, then it is best to replace #30 first as it is more important of the two teeth in your chewing ability. If you have your upper second molar however, I recommend to replace #31 in order to avoid shifting and movement of the upper molar. Dr Kazemi

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD

1 review

Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

www.facialart.com

Replacing A Missing Molar With A Dental Implant

This is a very good question and it should not be a problem to only replace one of the two missing molars. This is done routinely and the patient usually functions fine. If you still have the upper second molar you could see some drifting of that tooth downward if the lower second molar is not replaced. I would encourage you to see a dentist that places dental implants and have a 3d CBCT (CT Scan) taken of the area to be sure that you are a good candidate for a dental implant.... more

Two teeth lost, can I replace only 1 with an implant

You did not state whether the teeth above are both there or not but you should be able to function OK with only a 1st molar but if you have #2 and do not replace 31 it may result in supraeruption and loss of #2. If may make sense to do them separately.

Think that Through

While you will probably chew just fine with first molar bite only, keep in mind that leaving your upper second molar without an antagonist (that is, a lower second molar) will most probably lead to slow eruption (downward growth) of that tooth. If that happens, be prepared for interferences in your chewing motion and loss of that tooth as well. If this is a financial decision, consider placing the first molar now and the second molar next year before the natural tooth has time to... more