Chicago, IL
A 36-year-old male asked:
How to treat a gap between molars after wisdom tooth extraction? it is holding big chunks of foods that i can only remove by flossing. very annoying.
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Frankanswered
Immediate Implant Placement 36 years experience
Why gap?: The answer depends on why you have a gap. If it was there previously, you may benefit from braces to move teeth. If the teeth near the gap have decay, then fillings or crowns may solve the problem. See you dentist to learn what options are best for you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Cause?: The cause of the gap will determine the best treatment. Sometimes food gets caught between the teeth and wedges them apart. With conscientious flossing every time you eat or snack, the gap may close. If it's from decay, a broken filling or the space is just too big, fillings, onlays or a crown may solve the problem. If the bite is not stable, you might even need orthodontics. See your dentist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
40 years experience
If all else healthy: If everything else is in order, an orthodontist can easily make a retainer with some active capability built in to close a food impaction gap. The gap must be small, and all else: your bite, no cavities or broken fillings etc must be correct.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stephen Gordonanswered
45 years experience
Thorough exam needed: See your dentist-to determine why the gap developed. Teeth require force to move and reduced bone support allows for lesser force to move teeth. Therefore a dentist needs to determine if you have traumatic occlusion (imperfect bite), periodontal bone loss, decay, broken restoration, or possible harmful habits (like biting on pen or pencil between the 2 teeth will wedge them apart).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 55 years experience
Gap: What caused the gap? Was it caused by malpositioned teeth, damaged tooth enamel, occlusal problem, etc? Once cause has been determined the appropriate treatment can be administered. See your Dentist. Consultation with an Orthodontist may be in order.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
228 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 19, 2020
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