Saving A Tooth Not Always Better Than An Implant

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In a somewhat surprising move, the Academy of General Dentistry recently issued an opinion to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry's advice that a patient should should not always elect not to save a tooth, but rather extract and replace the tooth with a dental implant.

"It is important to note extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, while best for some, may not always be the best type of treatment for all patients," said AGD President David Halpern, DMD, FAGD. "The state of oral health and the needs of each patient are unique as his or her fingerprint", said Dr. Halpern. "In my practice, I encourage patients to save the natural tooth when possible."

"Doing so can many times preserve the supporting bone, maintain the proper contacts to the adjacent and opposing teeth, and allow the patient to use the tooth for as many years as their other teeth. It used to be common practice to remove injured or diseased teeth. Maintaining a tooth through a root canal treatment can help people keep their natural teeth for life. Depending on your area that you live in, restoring and saving a tooth may cost less than replacing a tooth with a dental implant supported replacement."

General dentists, as primary oral healthcare providers, recognize the treatment needs and balance the patient's desires in developing individualized treatment plans that address those needs and wants.

"We want to remind patients that they need to dialogue with their dentists to determine what is best for them," added Dr. Halpern. "Please talk with your dentist to determine whether you are a root canal or a dental implant candidate, and what is best for you based on your particular circumstances. A patient must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums. If you smoke or drink, suffer from chronic problems, such as periodontal disease, teeth clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases such as diabetes, your dentist will determine the best treatment options."