Endodontics versus implantology: to extirpate or integrate?
An increasingly frequent dilemma in restorative dentistry is the question of whether to retain a badly damaged tooth and restore it, or to remove and possibly replace it. Given the ethical difficulties inherent in testing this question, it is unlikely that we will ever see a properly designed clinical trial that will provide an answer. One of the most strongly debated components of this question is whether endodontic treatment and restoration can compete with a dental implant-borne prosthesis in terms of longevity and success. In the current paper, the authors will attempt to: (i) answer this question based on our current understanding of the dental literature; and (ii) provide practitioners with guidelines that might be applied to their daily practices.
Dawson
Anthony S
AS
Canberra Prosthodontics, Lidia Perin Medical Centre, 12 Napier Close, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia. tony@canberraprosthodontics.com.au
Cardaci
Santo C
SC
D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000592:standards*; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000592:standards*; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003829:Denture, Partial / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants