Treatment planning to retain hopeless teeth as support for transitional appliances: three case reports

Treatment in endosteal implant dentistry follows an orderly sequence. Determining a patient's need and desire, removal of hopeless teeth, bone augmentation (if necessary), implant placement, implant uncovery, and prosthetic restoration are considered in order. Three case reports that alter traditional treatment planning sequence are presented. Possible potential benefits and disadvantages to practitioners and patients are discussed.