Replacing a Missing Molar

asked 1 year ago by Helen Texas
Latest answer by Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD
Question viewed 1,116 times
Tags: brackets, gap, missing teeth, molars, wisdom teeth

I had one bottom molar extracted about 15 years ago. The molar and the wisdom tooth behind that missing molar have since moved towards the front. I was suggested either to open this gap using braces and put an implant in the place of the missing molar, or to use only braces and push the two teeth behind the gap towards the front in a way to fill the gap. What should I choose? Are there any dangers if I choose the 2nd option, and which ones?

7 answers to Replacing a Missing Molar

Closing the space of a lost first molar

If you are missing your lower 1st molar and are trying to close the space i can think of a few option. 1. use ortho to close the space but moving a 2nd molar to fill a 1st molar position takes a lot of time and can be difficult. that is a big space to fill and you may get a bony defect next to your lower premolar 2. use ortho to upright the 2nd molar and place an implant. this is a good option but you are paying for ortho and implant dentistry. 3. Depending on the size of the... more

J. Willis Baker, DDS
Wichita Cosmetic Dentist

Replacing missing molar

Hi Both are treatment options, however orthodontic movement of the third and second molar in a bodily fashion is difficult and very unpredictable. It is easier to tilt them up than actually moving them forward. Usually, i recommend to extract the third molar, upright the second molar with orthodontics, and them replace the first molar with an implant. this is a very stable and long term solution which offers the most predictable outcome. thanks Dr. Kazemi

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD
Bethesda Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

www.facialart.com

Replacing a First Molar with a Dental Implant

All of these are viable options for replacement. Moving the two teeh forward with orthodontics is difficult and does not a very predictable outcome. Even if the space has closed somewhat, a smaller size tooth can be placed on the dental ipant. IF the tooth behind the space has "tilted" into the space, then the best reatment would be to uprightit then place a dental implant. Thismay require removal of the wisdom tooth, but this is usually of no consequence... more

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD
Phoenix Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

drbdorfman.com

Moving Molars Orhtodontically Can Be Tough!

The best and most predictable result would be to upright the second molar and place a dental implant in place of the first molar. Attempting to move the 2nd and 3rd molars forward can be done, but is time consuming and difficult to accomplish. By placing the implant you will maintain good bone in that area and can have a crown placed that will give you a nice stabilized occlusion. Good luck

Scott Young, DDS
Houston Cosmetic Dentist

Replacing a Missing Molar

The most predictable solution for your case would be extraction of third molar, upright the second molar with orthodontics and then place a dental implant to be restored with a fixed crown. If the time commitment for orthodontic movement and implant placement are a concern, you could consider extracting third molar and fabricating a three unit bridge to replace the missing molar. If the second molar has not drifted to far forward, it could be uprighted in the preparation design... more

Sean Anderson, DDS
San Ramon Cosmetic Dentist

Molars don't move very well

Molars can be tipped up, or uprighted, but to move a molar from one position to another is not easy to do and takes a long time. Temporary implants help, but the process is not very predictable and can be expensive due to all the time involved. Removing the wisdom tooth and uprighting the second molar to then place an implant is the best choice if possible. Since the tooth has been missing for as long as it has, placing an implant there may take some extra treatment such as... more