Dental experts are raising alarms about a troubling trend in the industry: the unnecessary extraction of healthy teeth to make way for costly dental implants.
In a recent investigation, multiple specialists reported that some dental providers are recommending full-mouth implants to patients whose natural teeth could be saved.
One notable case involves Becky Carroll, who spent $31,000 at ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers in New Jersey for dental implants after feeling self-conscious about her teeth. Carroll was initially attracted to ClearChoice through a television ad that promoted the idea of providing patients with “a new smile in just one day” by surgically replacing teeth rather than repairing them, according to CBS.
Carroll now claims that her surgery was badly botched, leading to misaligned prosthetics and severe chewing difficulties for over two years. ClearChoice has denied all of her claims of malpractice.
“I thought implants would be easier, and all at once, so you didn’t have to keep going back to the dentist. But I should have asked more questions … like can they save these teeth?” Carroll told CBS.
Experts warn that implants, often seen as a durable solution, can lead to complications and increased costs, and many patients are not informed of the risks associated with losing natural teeth.
The rise of private equity in dental practices has also intensified concerns, with critics claiming profit motives may overshadow patient care.
Throughout the recent investigation from CBS, ten experts shared that they had provided second opinions to several patients who were advised to get implants, the advice they thought was unnecessary.
The rise of unlicensed and dangerous veneer technicians has also quickly become a growing problem within dentistry. Many Americans now turn to unverified online alternatives, such as TikTok, to learn about their teeth.
In fact, according to a study by the prescription company CharityRx, about one-fifth of American adults consult TikTok for health advice before consulting their doctors.
These sketchy veneer technicians, who often advertise accessible and affordable smiles, leave many patients with severe dental issues and hefty bills, according to The Daily Mail.
Traditional veneers generally require dentists to file down teeth and apply coverings, costing up to $4,000 per tooth. To counter this, some unlicensed technicians offer a set of 20 veneers for just $1,500, often operating in unsanitary offices with minimal training.
Veneers have surged in popularity recently, with nearly 600,000 people opting for them each year.