Replacement of missing molar teeth--a prosthodontic dilemma.

In deciding whether to replace lost lower molar teeth with a denture or accept the status quo, the dentist is faced with a choice of equally unfavourable alternatives. Dentures tend to accumulate plaque, the main cause of periodontal destruction, but failure to provide a prosthesis may also disadvantage the patient. Whether or not the provision of a replacement partial denture following molar tooth extraction helps to maintain the periodontium of the remaining dentition is not known. Patients are also aware of the dilemma. Many surveys have shown that a large proportion of replacement lower, free-end saddle dentures are never worn. However, a failure to provide partial dentures may have many adverse effects, especially in young adults.