Should I pull my last molar to avoid orthodontic cost? (tooth, dentist)

[Misty108]

All my other bottom molars are gone. The one I have left has fallen sideways and needs to be straightened at a cost of $3000. Is it more sensible just to pull it, or is preserving a good tooth always most important? The tooth is good but it does have a large silver filling in it.

With or without it I will need partials or dentures to replace all the other missing bottom molars. Can I still get a partial with this final molar gone?

Will the one natural molar make a difference in my chewing ability?

Thank you very much.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by Misty108

All my other bottom molars are gone. The one I have left has fallen sideways and needs to be straightened at a cost of $3000. Is it more sensible just to pull it, or is preserving a good tooth always most important? The tooth is good but it does have a large silver filling in it.

With or without it I will need partials or dentures to replace all the other missing bottom molars. Can I still get a partial with this final molar gone?

Will the one natural molar make a difference in my chewing ability?

Thank you very much.

What does your dentist suggest?

[toofache32]

If it's in occlusion currently, you might consider leaving it alone and the partial will act as a spacer to prevent it from tilting further forward.