To extract or not to extract? Factors that affect individual tooth prognosis.

A dentist evaluates a natural tooth for its quality of health. Once this is accomplished, the clinician obtains an estimate of longevity and decides whether to extract or to treat and maintain the tooth. There often are questions and doubts involved in the decision-making process in regard to the prognosis of an individual tooth. Unfortunately in dentistry, as in all biologic sciences, there are no straightforward answers to questions. This article will look at the literature in this area to help the practitioner in the decision-making process with regard to the compromised tooth. The article will concentrate on the single tooth or implant restoration. Other factors, such as the strategic value of a tooth and financial limitations in relation to long-term prognosis, will also be discussed.