Implants and endodontics: from facts and myths to beneficial synergisms

Osseointegrated implants have affected the decision-making process for prosthodontic, periodontic, and endodontic treatment planning. As a result, the traditional endodontic care model has undergone a paradigm shift. As with any emerging technology, there is concern that the initial enthusiasm surrounding implants could supersede quality of patient care issues, especially since there is no consensus about whether it is better to restore or replace a compromised tooth. The results of a number of meta-analyses show no statistical difference in terms of the long-term outcomes for single -tooth implants and endodontically treated teeth. Obviously, the decision to treat a tooth endodontically or replace it with a single-tooth implant should be based on other criteria. This article compares how certain variables affect the outcome of cases in which teeth are treated using either root canal treatment or single-tooth implants and explores the beneficial synergistic relationship between these two viable alternatives.