Whether or not there will be a problem with having a molar on each side of my mouth missing when I eat?
Question
I had tooth #30 (lower right molar) removed several years ago after all kinds of problems and procedures including a root canal. No problems since it was removed but I do have a gap on that side.
I have a cracked tooth on my upper left side #14. My dentist is recommending a root canal but since I had two root canals when I was younger and had nothing but problems I am thinking about extraction. Also I just had knee surgery and spent $4500 so the cost of extraction is much less than a root canal/crown.
My question is whether or not there will be a problem with having a molar on each side of my mouth missing when I eat?
Answer
Rating: +1
Occurrence of gaps is nothing uncommon and does not cause any harm, but if you feel its causing any problem while you are chewing food and want something that can help in better chewing against the tooth on opposite jaw, I would suggest you to get a removable prosthesis done, taking the support from the adjacent teeth. There are either removable or fixed prosthesis options available, but that would depend on your age, and the strength and location of adjacent teeth for support.
And for the other tooth on the upper left side, I suggest going for a root canal would be good if you want to have no gaps, or else you need to follow the extraction with the restoration with an artificial tooth in place, to avoid any disturbances during chewing of any hard food.
