Dentists pulling healthy teeth for profit: Rising concerns over dental implants in the US

Investigations have raised concerns about dentists in the United States unnecessarily removing healthy or treatable teeth to replace them with dental implants. Critics warn this trend prioritizes profit over patient care, leaving individuals to endure avoidable surgeries, complications, and financial strain. These reports have sparked ethical debates and highlighted the need for greater awareness of unnecessary procedures in the dental industry.

Dental implants can be transformative for those with severe tooth damage or loss, helping restore function and confidence. However, experts emphasize that implants should be a last resort when natural teeth cannot be saved. Evidence suggests some clinics are taking shortcuts, prioritizing financial gain over patient health, which raises serious ethical questions about the trajectory of the dental industry.

The growing popularity of implants has created opportunities for profit-driven decisions, undermining trust between patients and providers. While many patients rely on their dentists to act in their best interests, some professionals appear to focus on revenue instead.

The pressure to extract teeth

A major concern is how dental implants are marketed. Many clinics promote them as a quick and permanent solution, appealing to patients who want to avoid lengthy treatments like root canals or crowns. ClearChoice, for example, advertises “a new smile in as little as one day,” attracting those seeking fast results. This approach contributed to the placement of over 3.7 million dental implants in the U.S. in 2022, according to iData Research.

Becky Carroll, a 52-year-old from New Jersey, fell for such promises after seeing a ClearChoice ad. Tired of stained, crooked, and missing teeth, she opted for full dental implants, paying $31,000 by saving and borrowing. What followed was traumatic. Carroll alleges her anesthesia wore off mid-surgery, leaving her conscious and in pain as her teeth were extracted and titanium screws inserted. The misaligned prosthetics she received left her unable to chew properly for over two years, forcing her to undergo costly corrective surgery elsewhere.

Carroll’s experience highlights the importance of asking whether teeth can be saved rather than replaced. She later admitted she should have considered less invasive options like root canals or crowns, but the promise of a quick fix persuaded her. Her case is part of a larger trend where clinics prioritize profit over patient care.

ClearChoice has denied her allegations of malpractice but declined to comment further. Carroll’s ordeal underscores the need for patients to thoroughly research their options and seek second opinions before committing to such life-changing procedures.

A new dental scam is to pull healthy teeth to sell you expensive fake ones:

Many dentists are extracting healthy teeth for lucrative implants, as seen in Becky Carroll’s painful experience with ClearChoice, raising concerns about unnecessary surgeries and complications. pic.twitter.com/BU8rq9RWGh

— Tech Trends Hub (@TechTrendsHubb) November 4, 2024

Financial incentives driving decisions

The financial appeal of dental implants is another factor fueling concern. Implant procedures are far more lucrative than other treatments like fillings or crowns. A single implant can cost thousands, with full-mouth procedures reaching tens of thousands. Since insurance rarely covers these costs, many clinics offer financing through credit companies. At ClearChoice, for example, loans can be as large as $65,000, paid off over 10 years, according to the company’s website.

Private equity firms have increasingly invested in dental chains, further complicating the landscape. Critics argue that corporate ownership pressures dentists to prioritize revenue over patient outcomes, with some clinics employing aggressive sales tactics to push implants. Investigations have revealed instances where patients were encouraged to commit to costly treatments before even consulting with a dentist.

The role of private equity in healthcare has been widely debated. While some argue it brings efficiency and resources to practices, others warn it can lead to overtreatment and a focus on profit. In dentistry, this influence has sparked concerns about the erosion of patient-centered care.

Risks and complications of implants

While dental implants are generally safe and effective, they are not without risks. Complications such as infections, nerve damage, and implant failure can occur, particularly when procedures are performed hastily or by inexperienced providers. Moreover, implants require ongoing maintenance to prevent issues like gum disease or bone loss around the implant site.

Experts in the field emphasize that removing healthy teeth unnecessarily can have long-term consequences. Teeth provide structural support to the jaw and gums, and losing them can lead to bone loss and other issues. While implants are a valuable solution in certain cases, they are not a risk-free alternative to natural teeth.

Patients who undergo full-mouth implant procedures face unique challenges. These surgeries involve removing all natural teeth and replacing them with prosthetics anchored by implants. If these implants fail, patients may have limited options for correction, as their natural teeth are no longer available. Luiz Gonzaga, a periodontist and prosthodontist at the University of Florida, likens unnecessary tooth extractions to amputating a limb and emphasizes that alternative treatments, like root canals, should always be prioritized.

Experts also caution against viewing implants as a one-size-fits-all solution. While they can transform lives for those with unsalvageable teeth, they are not always the best choice. Maintaining natural teeth through preventive care and timely treatment remains the gold standard for oral health.

Ethical concerns in dentistry

The push for unnecessary dental implants has sparked debates about ethics in dentistry. The profession is guided by principles of prioritizing patient health and preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Yet, the growing commercialization of dental care threatens to undermine these values.

Some specialists, including faculty members at leading dental schools, have voiced their alarm over the trend. They describe cases where patients were told to extract all their teeth, only to later learn that many of their teeth could have been saved. For instance, William Giannobile, Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, criticizes the unnecessary removal of healthy teeth, stressing that preserving natural teeth is essential to maintaining patient care and ethical standards in dentistry.

Navigating the dental care system

For patients, navigating the complexities of dental care can be overwhelming. With so many options and competing interests, it is essential to approach treatment decisions with caution. Seeking second opinions is a critical step in ensuring that recommendations align with individual needs and health goals.

Jaime Lozada, director of a dental implant residency program at Loma Linda University, warns against unnecessary extractions for profit and highlights the need for qualified providers and thorough treatment evaluation.

Patients should also be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and advertisements promising quick fixes. Dental care is inherently personal, and the best solutions often require time and careful consideration. Asking detailed questions about risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes can help individuals make informed choices.

Advocacy groups and professional organizations have called for greater transparency and oversight in the dental industry. By holding providers accountable and promoting ethical practices, these efforts aim to restore trust and prioritize patient welfare.

Balancing innovation and ethics

As the demand for dental implants continues to grow, the industry faces a crossroads. Balancing the benefits of innovation with the need for ethical care will require collaboration between practitioners, regulators, and patients. Stricter guidelines on when implants are appropriate and increased education about alternative treatments could help address some of the current challenges.

Public awareness campaigns may also play a role in shifting perceptions about implants. By emphasizing the importance of natural teeth and promoting preventive care, these initiatives can empower patients to make healthier choices. At the same time, they can help reduce the stigma associated with traditional treatments like root canals or dentures.