A molar tooth is not just important for chewing, but for your oral health, and the position of the rest of the teeth if one is missing or removed. Fortunately, there are several effective ways in modern dentistry, allowing molar tooth replacement and make functional and aesthetic improvements. Regardless of whether you’re considering a dental implant for molar, a bridge for missing molar, or any other type of molar replacement solution, this blog will relieve your confusion and give you the best options for replacing your molar.
Why Molar Replacement Matters
Sometimes there is just an empty space where the molar should be, but this can result in several problems if not remedied. Molars are the large teeth at the back of your mouth responsible for grinding food. Missing molars often leads to shifting of other teeth which causes misalignment or bad bites. However, missing a molar hampers the ability to chew some foods. Therefore, to ensure they are properly digested, it is essential to seek a missing molar tooth solution to restore balance to your mouth.
Molar tooth implant Options
With regards to the available molar replacement options below are the treatments to be expected. These are based on the condition of the teeth and the financial situation of the patient. First, let us examine the most popular techniques when it concerns molar extraction replacement.
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Dental Implants for Molar
Dental implant for molar is possibly one of the most prevalent and long-lasting treatments for missing molar. Molar tooth implant process entails placing a cylindrical fixture made of titanium into the jawbone. It also has a screw that holds a tooth. Once it has bonded with the bone, an abutment is placed on which is made a crown that resembles a real tooth, to look at and function like a molar.
Advantages of Molar Implants:
- Long Lasting: Implants are designed to be long wearing but, with proper care and correlated expense, they can last indefinitely.
- Bone Preservation: Dental implants encourage the formation of new jawbone structure and stop the deterioration of the bone that normally occurs after tooth extraction.
- Stability: There is no wobbling or shifting around of the implants and so they are regarded as one of the best molar tooth restoration choices.
Molar implant recovery normally lasts for several months and is signified by the implant bonding with the bone. But once the area is fully healed what you get is a strong and long- lasting artificial replacement. The good thing is, it feels and functions just like the molar!
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Molar Dental Bridge
Another solution for filling the gap caused by a missing tooth is a molar dental bridge. In this method an artificial tooth or pontic is installed between two crowns which are cemented onto the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge fills the gap left by the missing molar quite literally by bridging the gap and lets you bite and speak correctly.
Benefits of a Molar Bridge:
- Non-surgical: Unlike a dental implant, a bridge doesn’t need any surgical procedure.
- Quick Procedure: Most bridges can be built in only several dental visits although more complicated cases may take longer.
- Affordable: Bridges often come with a lower tooth replacement cost compared to implants.
Nevertheless, bridges can be worn out and they may require replacement in 10-15 years, and the neighbouring teeth on which crowns are placed should be in good condition.
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Partial Dentures or Dental Prosthesis for Molar
A partial denture may be the most suitable dental prosthesis when persons are lacking several molars. Each of these appliances is used to replace a number of missing teeth, and as such, are relatively cheaper as compared to other types of dentures that are used when you are missing a number of teeth, for instance the lost molar teeth.
Advantages of Partial Dentures:
- Removable: Dentures may be removed effortlessly in order to be cleaned.
- Less Invasive: As compared to implants and bridges, partial dentures will not require the patient to undergo surgery.
- Affordable: Partial dentures are one of the most economical molar replacement options.
Although they are less costly than dental implants or bridges, dentures can be uncomfortable and not as stable as the former.
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Molar Crown Replacement
Should you still have the root of your molar tooth remaining? Then, a molar crown replacement could be suggested. A crown is a restoration that fits over the broken tooth, thus giving the tooth both an aesthetic and functional shape. This method is of advantage where the molar is deeply decayed but the root of the tooth is in good condition.
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Braces Option for Missing Molar
There is an orthodontic treatment to fill the gap of missing molar tooth where a dentist uses brackets and wires to align the adjacent teeth in the mouth. This method is used when the distance from the missing molar is not so large or when the other teeth already shifted and overlapped during the eruption. However, this approach does not perform the attempt to regenerate the missing tooth in its entirety; however, it prevents the drift of the adjacent teeth and poor occlusion. It is far less destructive of the teeth but can only be selected when chewing function is not a major consideration as it does not fully restore the capacity of a natural or artificial tooth, like a molar.
Understanding the Cost of Molar tooth implant
The tooth replacement cost for a molar tooth can vary significantly depending on the method you choose. It is common to find that dental implants are among the costly options but they result in the most stable and long-lasting outcome. Bridges and dentures are usually cheaper initially but can become costly as compared to implants since they may need replacements more often or adjustment.
Here’s a general breakdown of the cost factors:
- Dental Implants: Higher cost with respect to the surgical process and material employed; however, they are long term investments.
- Bridges: Moderate cost with the possibility of replacement required every ten years or so.
- Partial Dentures: The least expensive method; sometimes, it is necessary to perform regular cleaning of the surface.
Talk to your dentist about which molar replacement option you can afford, and which is best suitable to your dental health plan.
Benefits of missing molar replacement
Replacing a missing molar not only restores your smile but also offers several health benefits:
- Improved Chewing Ability: A new molar chews food appropriately and prevents digestion problems with your stomach.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: Replacing the missing molar helps anchor the rest of your teeth; if not, they might shift around incorrectly.
- Maintains Facial Structure: Replacing a molar helps prevent bone loss in the jaw. Since, with bone loss facial structure looks sunken with time.
- Enhanced Confidence: Replacing a missing molar is going to enable you to smile again freely without having to avoid focusing on your smile.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’re looking for a trusted dentist in Austin, Texas to replace your missing molar, contact us today! We provide comprehensive dental care, including Missing molar replacement, dental implants, bridges, and more. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and schedule a consultation to get you started on the path to a healthier smile.
Don’t let a missing molar affect your quality of life—schedule your appointment now!