Criteria of decision making in dental medicine: tooth or an implant?
Autori:
Andreja Carek, Filip Blažević
Sažetak
Summary
Caries, periodontal diseases and trauma most often lead to impaired biological stability of the teeth. Disruption of the biological stability of the tooth can lead to its loss. The dentist should do all he can to preserve the tooth as long as possible. The criteria for deciding on tooth survival or implant placement are extremely complex. Clinical examination, radiological analysis and a conversation with the patient are extremely important for the success of both therapies. Based on the collected data from the anamnesis and clinical examination, the dentist should assess which tooth has a long-term chance of survival in the oral cavity, and which one is indicated for extraction and subsequent implant placement. Although dental implantology has become the main therapeutic procedure in compensating for the lost teeth, it is not always indicated. Teeth with a sufficient amount of supporting bone, a favourable ratio of clinical crown and root, and sufficiently hard dental tissue have a high possibility of survival in the oral cavity after properly performed endodontic and periodontal procedures. Researches in this article show that the long-term success of an implant and a compromised tooth is similar, so properly planned therapy can greatly increase the success of both treatments. However, preference should be
given to periodontal, conservative and endodontic procedures aimed at saving compromised teeth. The purpose of this article is to show the decision criteria in compromised cases: save the tooth or replace it with an implant. This article presents guidelines that can help the therapist in making such a difficult and demanding decision. Examinations, radiological analyzes and contraindications and indications for each therapy are presented. Whichever therapy the therapist chooses, it has to be done properly and in accordance with ethical principles.
