title: Evidence-based decision-making: implants versus natural teeth.
abstract: The clinician is increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to use implants or so-called "traditional" dental interventions. Given the high predictability of implants, their use should be considered routine. The survival and success rates reported by many investigators often exceed the success rates of some forms of heroic treatment. Findings from well-designed trials must be used to guide clinical decision-making. In this article, the authors review studies of outcomes related to one particular implant system and compare these results to those reported for various forms of endodontic therapy and tissue-supported mandibular complete dentures. The results suggest that implant restorations of the system in question have a level of predictability equal to or greater than that for traditional dental treatment.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0297, USA. mvthom0@uky.edu
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Jay R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Beagle
mesh_terms: D003442:Crowns; D003657:Decision Making; D015921:Dental Implants; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants