I had my right molar extracted a few days ago. Do I really need an implant?

It is recommended to get an implant.
Leaving the extraction site empty can cause adjacent teeth to tilt or shift, and chewing more on other teeth can shorten the lifespan of the remaining teeth.
In rare cases—if the extracted tooth has no role in chewing or affecting nearby tooth alignment—an implant may not be necessary.
In cases of severe systemic disease or very poor alveolar bone condition, alternative treatments may be needed.