Shane White: To retain or replace a diseased tooth

The lecture compares the treatment options for a compromised tooth, endodontic treatment, fixed partial denture and extraction and implant placement, and discusses adjunctive procedures for each treatment as well as economical considerations. Dr White reviews the literature data available for these treatment options and concludes, that endodontic treatment and implant treatment have similar high success rates whereas the fixed partial denture lags behind and today can be considered only secondary status treatment alternative, e.g. when the patient for other medical or dental reasons can not undergo endodontic treatment or implant surgery. The lecture concludes, that the clinical success of dental implants has considerably changed the diagnostic and treatment planning options for the dental profession.