Determining the prognosis: When to treat and when to extract?

Érica Del Peloso Ribeiro; Sandro Bittencourt; Tila Fortuna Costa; Paula Regina do Espírito Santo Braga; Lyla Prates de Andrade

The advent of implants revived the discussion of one of the great dilemmas of clinical dentistry, which is the identification, based on prognosis, of when a tooth must be extracted or when other treatment options can be considered. Periodontal, endodontic and restorative characteristics must be carefully evaluated to determine prognosis and treatment predictability and consequent development of the treatment plan. Objective: Due to the relevance of this topic, the objective of this work is, by means of a literature review, to assist the dentist in evaluating clinical situations requiring decision making between keeping or extracting a tooth, establishing a correct prognosis. Results: Findings in the literature show that authors disagree among more conservative approaches and implant placement. Factors that can distinguish those cases are the technical and scientific knowledge and professional experience, commitment to their patient’s oral hygiene, as well as its systemic, dental and financial conditions. However, there is a consensus in the literature regarding the sovereignty of one technique over another for the treatment of different clinical situations. Conclusion: What will guide the clinician’s choice is a critical and scientific analysis of the cost-benefit to establish an individualized, multidisciplinary and with greater predictability treatment plan.

Keywords: Prognosis. Dental implants. Prosthesis and implants.

How to cite: Ribeiro EDP, Bittencourt S, Costa TF, Braga PRES, Andrade LP. Determining the prognosis: When to treat and when to extract? Dental Press Implantol. 2012 Apr-June;6(2):68-79.

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