Would I really miss a 2nd molar if I had it extracted?

[ToothPatient]

I had a meeting with an oral surgeon this morning and she was very encouraging to keep ones original teeth.

It's just the long drawn out process of restoration; 2 visits for root canal treatment, 3 visits for crown placement, all that money, uncertainty about reinfection or failure.

Is the loss of a 2nd molar a serious concern?

1st molar would be problem, as I understand, no question.

2nd molar however?

I'm so undecided on this, any perspectives welcome.

Have an appointment with an endo day after tomorrow for first stage of RCT, cause I can't risk another abscess flair.
Unless the oral surgery clinic calls me to say they have a cancelation and can do the surgical extraction, first stage of RCT is almost certainly going ahead.

 

[Dr M]

I always tell my patients, once a tooth is out, is gone forever. It is always better to save a tooth if it is possible. If you lose a molar,there is always a risk of occlusal forces shifting or a change that happens with regards to your more dominant chewing side. This could put unnecessary pressure on the remaining teeth, which might lead to future problems.
Unfortunately, to fix a tooth correctly, is sometimes a process and not a quick fix. If a root canal is done correctly, by a properly trained specialist, and then crowned, it can still last you many years to come.

 

[ToothPatient]

I always tell my patients, once a tooth is out, is gone forever. It is always better to save a tooth if it is possible. If you lose a molar,there is always a risk of occlusal forces shifting or a change that happens with regards to your more dominant chewing side. This could put unnecessary pressure on the remaining teeth, which might lead to future problems.
Unfortunately, to fix a tooth correctly, is sometimes a process and not a quick fix. If a root canal is done correctly, by a properly trained specialist, and then crowned, it can still last you many years to come.

Is it possible an endodontist could miss a fourth canal in a molar tooth, if they didn't perform a CBCT scan?

I was slightly disheartened the endo I'm attending didn't request a CBCT, but upon having one for another reason, a fourth canal is clearly present.

He was quite insistent the tooth would only have three canals.

 

[Dr M]

These days, if you don't take a CBCT, there is definitely a chance that additional canals can be missed. If possible, it is advisable to take a CBCT.