What is the downside of losing an upper back molar?

Question:

The tooth is almost gone at gum level. Dentist recommends root canal, post and crown. It's a huge filling partially broken. I've heard it said to keep the tooth as long as possible, isn't it time to let it go? I'm 49

Answers:
It depends on the teeth around that one. You may loose strength to nearby roots if you loose that tooth. I am 30 and lost a back one on the bottom (and the dentist damaged the gum in that area). Honestly only prob so far is every once in a while a sharp chip may get stuck back there, ouch. Been out for like 6 years.

Other Answers:
you cannot chew meat as effectively

No downside, you have another side you can chew on. You won't miss it one bit. I say let it go. The dentist just wants to make a buck. Usually dentists say keep it because they say teeth could shift, causing gaps, but if it's way back there it'll hardly be noticable if that does happen.

I think u should keep your own teeth as long as possible. If u can afford what the dentist suggests, do it. If u cant, then u should go ahead and have it pulled because the rot will spread to other teeth.

grinding your food properly putting pressure on bi cuspids and front teeth for this weakens structure in aging. each tooth has a purpose. then not to mention jaw pain.. if your not biting correctly your jaw gets a syndrome aches and shift it.

i dunno- if it were a 2nd molar at my age- i might consider an extraction. the tooth that opposes it may super-erupt in time which might cause the loss of another tooth on down the road. if money is no issue tho- saving it prevents that problem.

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What is the downside of losing an upper back molar?

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