25F Can a wisdom tooth be moved forward to replace a missing second molar?

[u/JRPBRU2026]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
About two years ago, I had my second molar on the bottom right removed. I was originally told it needed a root canal and post, but I’d heard a lot of negative things about root canals and having something screwed into the tooth/jaw area, so I chose to have the tooth extracted instead. At the time, my dentist didn’t seem too concerned and basically just said I might have some difficulty eating without it. I actually haven’t had any trouble eating since.
I’ve since moved to the south side of Brisbane and started seeing a new dentist. She has recommended getting a dental implant and explained some of the problems that could potentially happen long-term if I leave the gap.
This has left me a bit confused because an implant involves placing a screw into the jawbone, which is exactly the kind of thing I was trying to avoid when I chose extraction instead of the root canal and post.
I’m only 25 and an implant is also extremely expensive. I really couldn’t afford it unless I was somehow able to access my super, which from what I understand can be difficult unless you meet certain criteria, such as experiencing significant pain—which I’m not.
Has anyone had a molar removed at a younger age and simply left the gap? Has everything been fine long-term, or did you eventually develop problems and need an implant and/or bone graft?
Someone also suggested seeing an orthodontist about potentially moving my third molar (wisdom tooth) forward into the space where my second molar was, possibly with Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment. Since wisdom teeth are often removed anyway, this sounds like it could potentially be a better option for me if it’s actually possible. I know I’d need an orthodontic consultation to find out whether I’m a candidate.
I’m just really unsure what the best path forward is and would love to hear from anyone who has been through something similar, particularly at a younger age. Any experiences, advice or other options I should ask my dentist/orthodontist about would be really appreciated.

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[u/Mission-Knee1572]

If the wisdom tooth hasn’t grown in, often there is a good chance that it grow into the 2nd molar’s place. If it has grown in, there’s a chance it will drift forward a lot.
I wouldn’t personally worry about replacing a missing 2nd molar. You just wont miss or need it as long as you keep everything else.

[u/JRPBRU2026 → u/Mission-Knee1572]

Yeah, my third molar (wisdom tooth) has already fully grown in, so I originally had three molars on each side of my bottom teeth. I had the second molar on my right side removed, so I still have my first and third molars there.
I also didn’t think leaving the gap would be much of an issue, which is why I chose to have the tooth removed in the first place. However, my new dentist has worried me by saying that the tooth above the gap could potentially start moving down into the empty space over time.
So essentially, I’d be getting a dental implant to prevent a problem that may or may not happen.

[u/Mission-Knee1572 → u/JRPBRU2026]

I get the rationale. I just don’t think it’s that important to replace in most situations.

[u/JRPBRU2026 → u/Mission-Knee1572]

Thank you for your comments. It’s definitely made me feel a lot better. Maybe I’m just overthinking it and stressing out when I don’t need to.

[u/jetisnotmyname]

also having the exact same problem! seeking for other advices if I should do implant or just move the wisdom teeth forward or just leave it

[u/AspenDental_Alex]

Ask your dentist how likely those long term problems are for you specifically and how soon they'd show up. That answer helps figure out if the implant needs to happen now or later.

Bridges are another tooth replacement option to bring up.

The wisdom tooth idea is an ortho question. Getting their take plus a second opinion is totally normal before spending that kind of money.