Is an implant required after original tooth is removed?
Q. My upper back tooth had to be removed because it was cracked. My dentist and oral surgeon are recommending an implant. The reason is not for cosmetic purposes because it can’t be seen. The oral surgeon said an implant was necessary because the tooth below it would grow taller. But I still don’t understand the problem with that?? And I do have a tooth next to it with a large surface for chewing. I just had it pulled on October 16 so I don’t know what the comfort level will eventually be without an implant. My question is how important is it to have an implant on a tooth so far back and out of sight?
A. The problem is function and stability. As teeth are lost the surrounding teeth can become unstable and move. This can cause problems with teeth clashing when you eat that can break pieces off these teeth, gum problems can develop due to unstable contact points, your mouth can become less balanced overloading other teeth etc. My recommendation would be to have the tooth replaced
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