Replacing a Missing Molar

Question

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?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

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

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

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 a bone graft.

Jessica Wyatt, DDS · Answer

For your situation, these options both are acceptable. However, the option that includes moving the 2nd molar into the place of the 1st molar can be very difficult and may take a very long time. Even if the tooth is able to be moved into the place of the 1st molar, the bone around the tooth may not be as adequate as if you select the other option. Tipping a molar back into its original position in this case and having an implant placed in the 1st molar position is likely a better option. Hope this helps.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

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 since it is ususally not a functional tooth., bone gradfting may need to be performed as well if you have lost bone in the area of hte missing tooth

Sean Anderson, DDS · Answer

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 for the bridge and this treatment could be completed in 2 -4 weeks.

Replacing a Missing Molar

Answers (8)

Answer: Replacing a First Molar with a Dental Implant

Answer: Replacing a First Molar with a Dental Implant

Answer: Replacing a Missing Molar

Answer: Replacing a Missing Molar

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Replacing a Missing Molar

Answers (8)

Answer: Replacing a First Molar with a Dental Implant

Answer: Replacing a First Molar with a Dental Implant

Answer: Replacing a Missing Molar

Answer: Replacing a Missing Molar

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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