Before Selecting Implant : Tooth Preservation or Implant Placement Following Tooth Extraction?

Abstract

Although dental implants fill gaps where teeth are missing, they do not replace natural teeth. As such, dental implants are not the only treatment option ; other options for missing teeth include bridges, dentures, and tooth autotransplantation. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. The advantages of dental implants include fixability, adjacent teeth do not have to be drilled (no invasion into other teeth), and less discomfort. As long-term clinical studies have reported favorable outcomes, the current preferred treatment plan of dentists seems to be tooth extraction without careful consideration and prioritization of dental implant over other treatment options. However, peri-implantitis has become a serious problem due to the accelerated aging of society.

In this context, it is important to carefully consider the necessity of tooth extraction in the case of refractory apical periodontitis. This paper proposes returning to the basics and making every effort to preserve natural teeth before planning dental implant treatment with tooth extraction. In addition, the great contribution of surgical endodontics to tooth preservation is discussed.