When comparing the two, many patients find that a tooth extraction is actually more traumatic than the placement of an implant. An extraction involves removing a tooth that might be infected or firmly rooted, which can cause significant stress to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. In contrast, an implant is a highly controlled surgical event.
The dentist prepares a precise site and gently places a titanium post into the bone. Because it is a “cleaner” and more predictable procedure without the tearing associated with pulling a tooth, the post-operative recovery for an implant is often smoother. You are trading a missing or broken tooth for a structural foundation, and while both involve healing time, the implant usually causes less lingering pain.