# The Surge of Dental Implants: Are They Always Essential?
Recently, dental implants have gained traction as a favored option for those aiming to substitute lost or damaged teeth. The promise of achieving a flawless smile, often touted by establishments such as ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, has persuaded numerous patients to choose implants, sometimes sacrificing the preservation of their natural teeth. Yet, as the sector expands, so do worries regarding the excessive application of implants and the associated risks.
## The Attraction of Dental Implants
Having been in use for over 50 years, dental implants provide a means for patients to replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial counterparts. The procedure generally requires the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, serving as a root for a prosthetic tooth or crown. For those facing significant tooth loss or damage, implants can transform lives, reinstating not only their chewing ability but also their self-esteem.
Companies like ClearChoice have seized this opportunity, marketing their ability to deliver a “new smile in as little as one day.” For individuals such as Becky Carroll, who felt self-conscious about her discolored and misaligned teeth, the appeal of a swift and lasting remedy was compelling. Carroll, similar to many others, chose full-arch implants, substituting all her upper teeth with prosthetic versions.
Unfortunately, Carroll’s experience diverged significantly from the outcome she envisioned. In a legal action, she claimed that her anesthesia faded during the procedure, leaving her aware as screws were inserted into her jaw. Moreover, her prosthetic teeth were so misaligned that she struggled to chew properly for over two years. Carroll’s case is not isolated, as numerous lawsuits nationwide have unveiled parallel issues and apprehensions.
## The Expanding Industry and Associated Concerns
The dental implant sector has experienced swift expansion, with over 3.7 million implants sold in the U.S. in 2022 alone. Countless dental practitioners now provide the surgery, and private equity firms have poured billions into dental chains that focus on implants. However, amidst this surge, some professionals are sounding the alarm regarding the overreliance on implants and unnecessary extractions.
A lengthy investigation by KFF Health News and CBS News uncovered that many dentists might be hasty in suggesting implants, even when it’s feasible to save natural teeth. In discussions, 10 dental experts shared worries that some dentists preferred implants over more conservative options like root canals or crowns. These experts cautioned that unnecessary tooth removals put patients at risk of surgery complications and future dental issues.
William Giannobile, dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, pointed out that numerous dentists are driven by the financial incentives tied to implants, which can yield more profit than conventional dental care. “It pains me to say this, but many are pursuing it because these procedures are, in monetary terms, far more advantageous to the practitioner,” Giannobile stated.
## The Hazards of Implants
While implants can yield remarkable results, they come with inherent risks. Unlike natural teeth, implants can be prone to infections in the gums and bone, necessitating ongoing upkeep. George Mandelaris, a periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology Board of Trustees, warned that when implants fail, they may deteriorate significantly faster than natural teeth.
“If an implant faces infection, or if there is bone loss, an implant can fail much more rapidly than teeth can,” Mandelaris elaborated.
Furthermore, full-arch implants, which replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, may pose unique challenges if they fail. Patients may find themselves without sufficient jawbone to support additional implants, leaving them with limited treatment options.
## The Influence of Private Equity in Implant Dentistry
The influx of private equity investments in dental chains has further muddied the waters of implant dentistry. Private equity firms have acquired large dental organizations such as ClearChoice, Aspen Dental, and Affordable Care, which now oversee numerous clinics nationwide. While these companies assert that clinical decisions are made by dentists rather than investors, some experts express concern that profit maximization pressures could result in overtreatment.
Edwin Zinman, a dental malpractice lawyer and former periodontist, contended that private equity ownership has caused a rise in unnecessary and poorly performed implant surgeries. “They’ve sold numerous [implants], and in some cases unnecessarily, with many procedures executed negligently, without ensuring that dentists have the requisite training and expertise,” Zinman remarked.
An evaluation of over 1,000 clinics operated by private equity-backed dental chains revealed that more than 70% of these facilities did not employ specialists like oral surgeons or periodontists, who typically have more extensive training in implant procedures. Instead, numerous clinics relied on general dentists, some of whom had little advanced implant training.
## The Significance of Informed Decision-Making
For patients contemplating dental implants, it’s vital to pose the right inquiries
