A member asked:
if i have a bottom molar tooth extrated, does the top matching tooth need extrated , as well? bottom molar can be saved by root canal. i requested the tooth be pulled. do to cost involed. the dentist advised he could pull the molar but the top matching to
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. G Funari answered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 45 years experience
Several : Several factors come into play.
1. Is the top molar functioning against any teeth? An unopposed too will supraerupt into the mouth causing problems.
2. Is the top molar free of any disease (such as decay and gum disease)?
3. Can you keep the top molar clean without any difficulty?
I you can answer yes to all three questions then the tooth should be retained. If you answer no to one or more, discuss the situation with your doctor as to why he recommends removal.
5332 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered
Dentistry 40 years experience
Dr : Dr funari is correct on all counts.
Are these molars first molars, second molars, or 3rd molars (wisdom teeth)? If they are wisdom teeth, then they both should be extracted.
If the opposing tooth has major problems, then your dentist may be suggesting to extract it since if you are not going to fix the mandibular tooth, then you most certainly are not going to fix the maxillary tooth.
Hard to tell without all the particulars.
5332 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Lance Timmerman answered
Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry
"Need" : "need" is the key here. No, you don't need to pull the opposite tooth, but you might want to. If the tooth doesn't hit any other tooth, it will eventually over erupt and can cause other issues. It does take time to develop an over erupted tooth, and the issues it causes may not be a big deal to you. As previously mentioned, there are other things to consider.
5454 viewsAnswered Aug 10, 2018
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Last updated Aug 10, 2018
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