What is the downside of losing an upper back molar?

Question

The tooth is almost gone at gum level. Dentist recommends root canal, post and crown. It's a huge filling partially broken. I've heard it said to keep the tooth as long as possible, isn't it time to let it go? I'm 49

Answer 1

It depends on the teeth around that one. You may loose strength to nearby roots if you loose that tooth. I am 30 and lost a back one on the bottom (and the dentist damaged the gum in that area). Honestly only prob so far is every once in a while a sharp chip may get stuck back there, ouch. Been out for like 6 years.

Answer 2

I say let it go. The dentist just wants to make a buck. Usually dentists say keep it because they say teeth could shift, causing gaps, but if it's way back there it'll hardly be noticable if that does happen.

Answer 3

I think u should keep your own teeth as long as possible. If u can afford what the dentist suggests, do it. If u cant, then u should go ahead and have it pulled because the rot will spread to other teeth.

Answer 4

grinding your food properly putting pressure on bi cuspids and front teeth for this weakens structure in aging. each tooth has a purpose. then not to mention jaw pain.. if your not biting correctly your jaw gets a syndrome aches and shift it.

Answer 5

i dunno- if it were a 2nd molar at my age- i might consider an extraction. the tooth that opposes it may super-erupt in time which might cause the loss of another tooth on down the road. if money is no issue tho- saving it prevents that problem.

Answer 6

No downside, you have another side you can chew on. You won't miss it one bit.

Answer 7

you cannot chew meat as effectively