#30 tooth to be extracted & replaced with implant; I am minus #31 already. Will I have trouble chewing food?

Question

Will I have trouble chewing my food without a replacement?

William P. Lamas, DMD, MS · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question. There exists a possibility that you may not have enough chewing surface on that side of the mouth. There are a few considerations that I would suggest for you to visit with your periodontist so he/she can review those with you. It's important to have full chewing function with both molars, which are your primary chewers. As you go further back in the mouth, the forces increase, and leaving one molar might be inadequate for your chewing function. Best of luck to you!

Zev Kaufman, DDS · Answer

Dear maggiemay407:Most chewing is done over the area of the second premolar and the first molars.  Many people can very comfortably do without the second molars and function entirely normally.  However, the loss of the first molar #30 is a lot more difficult to work with.  It limits your chewing area greatly.  However, I have had many patients who do just fine with a bite that stops at the second premolars.Since I have no other information about you, the only advise that I can give you is that you will assess your level of comfort once #30 is extracted.  Let the site heal and see whether you need to have it replaced.  If you are on the younger side, the replacement of #30 is highly recommended.Best of luck,

#30 tooth to be extracted & replaced with implant; I am minus #31 already. Will I have trouble chewing food?

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#30 tooth to be extracted & replaced with implant; I am minus #31 already. Will I have trouble chewing food?

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.