Comparing the Long-Term Success Rates of Tooth Preservation and Dental Implants: A Critical Review

Abstract

Implant therapy is considered a predictable, safe, and reliable rehabilitation method for edentulous patients in most clinical scenarios. Thus, there is a growing trend in the indications for implants, which seems attributable not only to their clinical success but also to arguments such as a more "simplified approach" based on convenience or the belief that dental implants are as good as natural teeth. Therefore, the objective of this critical literature review of observational studies was to discuss the evidence concerning the long-term survival rates and treatment outcomes, comparing endodontically or periodontally treated teeth with dental implants. Altogether, the evidence suggests that the decision between keeping a tooth or replacing it with an implant should carefully consider the condition of the tooth (e.g., amount of remaining tooth and degree of attachment loss and mobility), systemic disorders, and patient preference. Although observational studies revealed high success rates and long-term survival of dental implants, failures and complications are common. For this reason, attempts should be made to first save maintainable teeth over the long-term, instead of immediately replacing teeth with dental implants.

Keywords: dental implants; endodontic treatment; periodontal treatment; success rates; survival analysis.

Figure 1

Graphical abstract showing the possible evolutions between treating or extracting a tooth. This figure was created with Biorender.com.

Figure 2

Possible failures of dental implants. Normally, primary failures are related to the osseointegration process, while secondary failures can be of biological or mechanical origin.