Why is the implant the preferred treatment?

Q: Why is the implant the preferred treatment?

A: The implant is simply more predictable than trying to save a decayed tooth that has only a little tooth structure left remaining above the gum line. Often is it better to extract the unsalvageable tooth and place an implant directly into the extraction site.

A complicated example of this was on a patient who recently came in who had two teeth, which had previously supported a three-unit bridge. Both teeth were broken down to the gum line. With great effort and expense I could have placed rigid posts down the remaining roots and built a new bridge. But, the new bridge would be weaker than the previous bridge and the previous bridge had already broken out.

Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years.
www.michaelmaksimdds.com