Second molar
My dentist wants to try to save my tooth with root canal treatment and a crown. However, I want the tooth extracted because it’s a back molar. Why should I go through the time and expense of a root canal and a crown? I would rather spare myself the expense and risk of something going wrong with the tooth. Am I overlooking something? – Truman from Chicago
Truman,
Losing a second molar has fewer complications than losing other teeth. There isn’t a tooth behind it to tip forward if the second molar is missing. If you lose the lower second molar, you may lose the upper one because, without the opposing tooth, it eventually drifts and bites on the lower gum. You can manage without a second molar if the teeth in front of it remain for chewing food.
On the other hand, keeping the second molar is beneficial if you lose a first molar later. Missing both teeth will decrease your chewing efficiency. The chances of a root canal failing in a molar tooth are low—only about five percent fail.
You can consider getting a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist) about the chances of saving the tooth and having it viable for years.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
