Endodontic and implant algorithms

Abstract

Dental professionals are often faced with challenges when formulating a treatment plan for patients presenting with a compromised tooth. A common dilemma involves the decision between tooth retention using endodontic treatment with crown restoration, and extraction and an implant-borne restoration. In this article the authors evaluate the 2 treatment modes, and observe that because outcomes are similar with both treatments, decisions should be based on the patient's informed decision concerning restorability, costs associated with the procedures, esthetics, potential adverse outcomes, and ethical factors.