I Lost One of My Molar Teeth. Will It Grow Again or Should I Get an Implant or Bridge?

One of the strangest facts about the human body is that even though muscles and skin can grow back and bones can knit together, teeth do not grow back. The teeth that we are born with are all we have.

If you’ve lost one of your molars, it will not grow back. An implant or bridge is highly recommended as the best way to safeguard your oral health.

Why Teeth Don’t Grow Back

Tooth regeneration is common in the animal kingdom. Organisms as diverse as sharks and alligators can regrow lost teeth, sometimes within minutes. It is not known why humans lost this ability; some scientists theorize that the potential for tooth regeneration is in our DNA, but the ability is not “turned on.”

That leaves us with only two sets of teeth: our baby teeth and adult teeth. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but the reason it doesn’t regrow like bones do is that it’s not living tissue. Whereas the rest of your body is composed of living cells that constantly replenish themselves, enamel is essentially a dead mineral. When it wears off, there is no way to replace it.

Replace Lost Molars with a Dental Implant or Bridge

This means that if you lose a molar, the best option is to replace it with a dental implant or bridge. There are pros and cons to each approach. Bridges are easier to install, while implants have a more difficult installation process but ultimately work to keep your jawbone strong.

Regardless of which approach you choose, filling the gap left by your molar keeps your chewing and speaking ability unimpaired and protects your gums from infection. Contact Parthenia Family Dental to explore which treatment option would work best for you.