Steven Eckert: Decision making on residual "healthy" teeth

Tooth loss is an important change in a patient's life. The decision to remove healthy or restorable teeth within a comprehensive treatment therefore requires a strategic approach and evaluation within the guidelines of medical/ dental ethics. Implant treatment is certainly a game changer and may be an alternative in comparison to rescueing compromised teeth. Dr Eckert discusses the many parameters to consider for such decisions and reviews and evaluates aspects such as current status and strategic nature of teeth, treatment options, past experiences, understanding the commitment of the patient, desired outcomes, material properties, esthetic potential, ongoing maintenance, economics. Dr Eckert highlights that all decision parameters and decisons have to be put within the perspective of the patients expectations and desires.