Can Missing Molars Be Replaced Using Dental Implants?

Molars are the large, flat teeth that reside at the back of your mouth. Their primary purpose is chewing. So, when you are missing one or more molars, chewing food suddenly becomes much more difficult. Leaving your wisdom teeth out of the equation, you have a total of eight molars in your mouth. Every molar is important, and losing even one can make daily life difficult. When looking at tooth replacement options, you may have considered dental implants, but is this a good option for replacing molars? Dr. Andrew Edmonds and the team at 4405 Dental Studio in Georgetown, Texas, would like to tell you why natural-looking dental implants are a great option to replace molars.

Regarding Tooth Replacement

If you are missing a single tooth, you may not think it is a big deal unless it is actively causing you issues. However, even a single missing tooth can lead to oral health complications down the road. With a missing molar, you may find it much more difficult to chew food. Having an empty space in your smile allows the teeth on either side to begin shifting into that space, leading to spaced and crooked teeth. You may also begin to lose jawbone integrity due to the loss of stimulation the tooth’s root provides.

Can A Dental Implant Replace Your Molar?

Yes, molars can be replaced with dental implants. In fact, dental implants are considered the best tooth replacement option currently available because they replace the tooth both below and above the gum line. This ensures the health of the jawbone is preserved, and you get a strong, stable, functional tooth replacement. If you are missing a single molar, a single implant can be utilized for replacement. If you are missing multiple molars, an implant bridge may be considered. Implant options are something you and your dentist will discuss during your appointment.

Bone Graft

You may not be able to replace your molar with a dental implant if there is not enough jawbone remaining to support the implant. However, this situation is not unique to the molars, as it would apply to any lost tooth you are looking to replace. If you lack sufficient jawbone for your new implant, bone grafting could be an option. Adding additional bone to your jawbone is usually enough to support a new dental implant.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Before you can choose to receive a dental implant for tooth replacement, it must first be determined that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. To be considered for a dental implant, you need to be free of any periodontal disease, have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant, be without any immune system disorders, be a non-smoker, and be in good health. If any oral health concerns make you unsuitable for this procedure, your dentist may set up a treatment plan you will need to undergo, and then your candidacy can be re-evaluated.

To learn more about dental implants, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew Edmonds at 4405 Dental Studio in Georgetown, TX, by calling (512) 855-7308.

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