FRESNO, Calif.—Patients increasingly request to “extract everything and place implants,” but dental experts caution that this approach is rarely the best option. Dr. Martin Jaroch, a practicing dentist, explains that even severely damaged teeth can often be preserved with modern therapies.
“Dental implants are not a harmless routine procedure—they are a lifelong decision,” Jaroch writes in a guest article for FITBOOK. He emphasizes that choosing an implant creates a permanent bond, bringing both benefits and risks that must be considered carefully.
Jaroch notes that implantology is undergoing a critical reevaluation. While implants were once promoted as a quick and nearly definitive solution, long-term studies reveal potential complications and limitations over time.
“Restorations on natural teeth are often more durable and lead to fewer complications than implant-supported solutions,” he said. “Natural teeth should always be preserved whenever possible, even if the treatment takes longer.”
Many patients are unaware that teeth weakened by disease or decay can remain functional for decades with proper periodontal therapy, follow-up care, and consistent oral hygiene. Research spanning 20 to 30 years shows that even teeth with reduced anchorage can maintain stable function if properly treated.
Jaroch highlights a concerning trend in dentistry driven by economic factors. “Implant therapy is highly profitable, which can influence clinical decisions,” he said. “Rehabilitating a natural tooth requires time and follow-up care, whereas placing an implant is often faster and more economically attractive. This can lead to teeth being removed prematurely.”
He warns against radical extractions, especially in cases of advanced periodontitis, multiple cavities, or misaligned dental arches, where tooth-preserving treatments are still possible.
“Not every feasible treatment is medically sensible,” Jaroch said. “We must prioritize therapies that align with maximum tooth preservation, biological sustainability, and long-term oral health.”