Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of root canal treatment using conventional approaches versus replacement with an implant

New adhesive rehabilitation technique with indexed occlusal tabletops made by 3D printing technology

OBJECTIVE

In oral rehabilitation, a full mouth minimal invasive treatment can represent a major challenge for the patient and the dentist. The purpose of this article is to present a new technique to restore eroded teeth and recover the vertical dimension with a simple and predictable technique.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Occlusal tabletop restorations are a suitable conservative option to restore anatomy and vertical dimension augmentation but highly sensitive. The cementation of those restorations without stable landmarks, the cement excess removal, the insertion path, or the time needed are some of the difficulties can be faced. Now a days with the new CAD-CAM techniques is possible to develop a new occlusal tabletop manufacturing alternative utilizing 3D-printed technology by unifying the restorations with a customized connector that allows us to print several onlays at same time, as a single object, also being cemented at once.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol reduces the technique sensitivity of a vertical dimension oral rehabilitation process, reduce the chair time, enhancing the patient-comfort and delivers a unique way to restore dental lost anatomy as a definitive or temporary way with printing materials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

With the advent of new CAD-CAM 3D printing materials, which are increasingly versatile and gaining favor among clinicians, it is now possible to address complex clinical situations with greater predictability. This technology enables the development of treatment solutions that are both effective and efficient, consequently reducing clinical time for the patient.

Eight-year retrospective study investigating tooth survival after primary non-surgical root canal treatment in a UK military cohort

INTRODUCTION

Root canal treatment (RCT) plays an important role in preserving the dentition by deferring other invasive treatments. Data on tooth survival and predictive factors for tooth loss after RCT in the military cohort are lacking. This investigation aimed to determine the proportion of teeth surviving in an 8-year period after RCT and identify potential predictive factors for tooth loss in a UK military cohort.

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective review of an integrated electronic health record for military patients who had received RCT was performed in a random sample of 205 patients (n=219 root-filled teeth) who had received RCT between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2012. Tooth survival was defined as tooth presence, regardless of signs or symptoms, and measured from the point of root filling until either the end of the designated study period or time of extraction. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and association with tooth loss using the χ2 test. Potentially significant predictive factors were investigated using univariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

Tooth survival following RCT was 98% after 24 months; 88% after 48 months; 83% after 72 months; and 78% after 96 months. Four predictive factors were found to affect tooth loss as follows: preoperative pain (HR=3.2; p<0.001), teeth with less than two proximal contacts (HR=3.0; p=0.01), teeth with cores involving more than two surfaces (HR=2.0; p=0.03) and postoperative unscheduled dental attendances (UDA) (HR=2.7; p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, the presence of preoperative pain; teeth with less than two proximal contacts or with cores involving more than two tooth surfaces; and occurrence of postoperative UDA were found to significantly increase the hazard of tooth loss.

General dental practitioners' fees for root canal treatment, coronal restoration and follow-on treatment in the adult population in Sweden: A 10-year follow-up of data from the Swedish Dental Register

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the accumulated fees connected with root filling, permanent coronal restoration and follow-on treatment charged by Swedish dentists over a 10-11-year follow-up period. Furthermore, analyzing these fees with reference to the type of restoration, tooth group, and the root-filled teeth which survived compared to those requiring extraction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 2009, the data register of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency recorded a total of 215,611 teeth as root-filled. The accumulated fees for each tooth encompassed the following interventions: initial root filling, coronal restorations, and follow-up treatments during the designated period. The outcomes were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics, including t tests and one-way analysis of variance. The fees are presented in Euros (€1 = SEK 8.94).

RESULTS

The total accumulated fees for root fillings amounted to 72 million Euros: the mean fee per root filled tooth was €333.6. The total mean fee over a 10-11-year period, comprising root canal treatment, coronal restorations, and any follow-up treatments, was €923.4. Root-filled teeth with indirect restorations presented a higher mean fee (€1 279.3) compared to those with direct restorations (€829.4) or those without specified restorations (€832.7; p < .001). Moreover, molars presented a significantly higher mean fee (€966.4) compared to premolars (€882.8) and anterior teeth (€891.3; p < .001). Lastly, the mean fee for extracted teeth was €1225.3, which was higher compared to those who survived the follow-up period (€848.0; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fees charged by general dental practitioners for root-filled teeth accumulate over time, probably due to the need for further treatment of the tooth. The total mean fee was significantly higher for molars and root-filled teeth with indirect restorations. However, an analysis of the total costs would require prospective clinical cost-effectiveness studies.

Evaluating the prospective crown-root ratio after extrusion and crown lengthening procedures in vitro

For restoration of extensively damaged teeth preprosthetic treatment measures are necessary. Crown lengthening and extrusion affect the prospective crown-root ratio (CRR). The subject of this in vitro study was to compute CRRs for both treatment approaches. 120 human maxillary central extracted incisors were measured. Measurements were calculated for five treatment groups: C (control), E-2 mm (extrusion of 2 mm), E-4 mm (extrusion of 4 mm), CL-2 mm (crown lengthening of 2 mm), and CL-4 mm (crown lengthening of 4 mm). Tooth (TL), root (RL), and crown lengths (CL) were measured from mesial (m) and facial (f) cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and respective anatomic (CRR) and effective crown-root ratios (eCRR) were calculated. Following CRR values were computed for C: CRR-m = 0.4 ± 0.1, CRR-f = 0.7 ± 0.1. All crown-root ratios were lower (more favourable) for extrusion compared to crown lengthening (p < 0.001). ECRRs were higher than anatomic CRRs. CRR at mesial CEJ was significantly lower than CRR with facial CEJ as reference (p < 0.001). Mesial measurement-based calculations of CRR typically based on radiographic images should be interpreted with caution as they underestimate the eCRR. CRR can be expected as lower, i.e. more favourable, when teeth are extruded than crown lengthened.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of full versus selective root canal retreatment

AIM

Selective root-canal retreatment has been proposed as an alternative to full retreatment in multirooted, root-canal-filled teeth with evidence of apical pathology, where only the affected root(s) is retreated. Whilst this option may save costs initially, failures and retreatments may compensate for these initial savings. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of full versus selective root-canal retreatment using data from a recent clinical pilot study, employing a modelling approach.

METHODOLOGY

A Markov model was constructed to follow up a previously root-canal treated maxillary molar with apical pathology on a single root (mesio-buccal), receiving either selective or full root-canal retreatment. A private-payer perspective in Dutch health care was adopted. Permanent molar teeth with apical lesions on the mesial root were simulated over the lifetime of initially 50-year-old patients. Teeth could have endodontic complications and require interventions such as retreatment or tooth extraction and replacement. Costs were calculated based on the Dutch dental fee catalogues. Monte-Carlo microsimulations were performed to assess lifetime costs and effectiveness (measured as tooth retention time), and the resulting cost-effectiveness. Probabilistic joint uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed, and cost-effectiveness at different willingness-to-pay-thresholds was evaluated.

RESULTS

In the base-case scenario, selective retreatment was less costly (2137; 2.5%-97.5% percentiles: 1944-2340 Euro) and more effective (19.6; 18.3-20.8 Years) than full retreatment (2495; 2305-2671 Euro; 16.5; 15.2-17.9 Years) in 100% of the simulations and regardless of the willingness-to-pay threshold. Only in a worst case scenario was selective retreatment more costly, but remained more effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective retreatment, when clinically applicable, is likely to be more cost-effective than full retreatment in endodontically treated molars with persistent apical periodontitis. Our results should be interpreted with caution because the quality of the underlying data is limited.

Treatment of pulpal and apical disease: The European Society of Endodontology (ESE) S3-level clinical practice guideline

BACKGROUND

The ESE previously published quality guidelines for endodontic treatment in 2006; however, there have been significant changes since not only in clinical endodontics but also in consensus and guideline development processes. In the development of the inaugural S3-level clinical practice guidelines (CPG), a comprehensive systematic and methodologically robust guideline consultation process was followed in order to produce evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients presenting with pulpal and apical disease.

AIM

To develop an S3-level CPG for the treatment of pulpal and apical disease, focusing on diagnosis and the implementation of the treatment approaches required to manage patients presenting with pulpitis and apical periodontitis (AP) with the ultimate goal of preventing tooth loss.

METHODS

This S3-level CPG was developed by the ESE, with the assistance of independent methodological guidance provided by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and utilizing the GRADE process. A robust, rigorous and transparent process included the analysis of relevant comparative research in 14 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, prior to evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, the formulation of specific evidence and expert-based recommendations in a structured consensus process with leading endodontic experts and a broad base of external stakeholders.

RESULTS

The S3-level CPG for the treatment of pulpal and apical disease describes in a series of clinical recommendations the effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis and AP, prior to investigating the effectiveness of endodontic treatments in managing those diseases. Therapeutic strategies include the effectiveness of deep caries management in cases with, and without, spontaneous pain and pulp exposure, vital versus nonvital teeth, the effectiveness of root canal instrumentation, irrigation, dressing, root canal filling materials and adjunct intracanal procedures in the management of AP. Prior to treatment planning, the critical importance of history and case evaluation, aseptic techniques, appropriate training and re-evaluations during and after treatment is stressed.

CONCLUSION

The first S3-level CPG in endodontics informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers, other stakeholders and patients on the available and most effective treatments to manage patients with pulpitis and AP in order to preserve teeth over a patient's lifetime, according to the best comparative evidence currently available.

Should compromised first permanent molar teeth in children be routinely removed? A health economics analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of retaining one or more compromised first permanent molars (cFPMs) affected by dental caries or enamel hypomineralization, compared to timely extraction, in children aged 8 years.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime of a cFPM. Two management strategies were compared: extraction facilitating spontaneous space closure or maintenance of teeth with restorations. Ten health states were utilized to capture long-term outcomes including various tooth restorations, prostheses or a retained gap at the cFPM site. Outcomes were expressed as Quality Adjusted Tooth-Years (QATYs). The model was informed by survey data on patient preferences for treatment outcomes and UK data on costs. Discounted costs and QATYs were calculated over 62 years.

RESULTS

Regardless of the number of cFPMs, retaining cFPMs was more effective than early removal, generating an additional 2.3 QATYs per cFPM. Early removal of one or two cFPM under general anaesthetic (GA) was more expensive than retention and hence never cost-effective. Retaining a cFPM was more expensive than early removal under local anaesthesia or where four cFPMs were extracted under GA. In these cases, retaining cFPMs was cost-effective if a QATY was valued at £100 or £35, respectively. Results were robust to sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Preserving a cFPM was more cost-effective than the early loss of one, or two cFPMs under GA. Preservation of four cFPMs was cost-effective if sufficient value was placed on a QATY. These findings can guide clinical practice on management of cFPMs alongside patient/payer values on maintaining teeth.

Health economic evaluation of forced orthodontic extrusion of extensively damaged teeth: up to 6-year results from a clinical study

OBJECTIVES

Clinical data on retaining extensively damaged teeth using forced orthodontic extrusion followed by restorative rehabilitation are scarce, and economic evaluations are basically absent. A health economic evaluation of this method was performed based on a clinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a convenience sample of individuals recruited from routine care, extensively damaged teeth were orthodontically extruded prior to restoration. Patients were followed up for up to 6 years. The health outcome was tooth retention time. Direct medical, non-medical, and indirect initial and follow-up costs were estimated using the private payer's perspective in German healthcare. Association of initial direct medical treatment costs and cofounding variables was analyzed using generalized linear models. Success and survival were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 35 teeth in 30 patients were followed over a mean ± SD of 49 ± 19 months. Five patients (14%) dropped out during that period. Median initial costs were 1941€ (range: 1284-4392€), median costs for follow-up appointments were 215€ (range: 0-5812€), and median total costs were 2284€ (range: 1453 to 7109€). Endodontic re-treatment and placement of a post had a significant impact on total costs. Three teeth had to be extracted and in three patients orthodontic relapse was observed. The survival and success rates were 91% and 83%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this clinical study, total treatment costs for orthodontic extrusion and subsequent restoration of extensively damaged teeth were considerable. Costs were by large generated initially; endodontic and post-endodontic therapies were main drivers. Costs for retreatments due to complications were limited, as only few complications arose.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The restoration of extensively damaged teeth after forced orthodontic extrusion comes with considerable initial treatment costs, but low follow-up costs. Overall and over the observational period and within German healthcare, costs are below those for tooth replacement using implant-supported crowns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: DRK S00026697).

Effect of apical root resection, orthodontic extrusion, and surgical crown lengthening on load capability

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the load-to-fracture of procedures changing crown-to-root ratio (RCRR) aimed to restore severely damaged upper central incisors to avoid tooth extraction compared to implant placement. There is no evidence on load capability after apical root resection (AR), orthodontic extrusion (OE), and surgical crown lengthening (SCL) in respect to RCRR, respectively.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated, decoronated, and divided into 4 groups (n = 48). The following specimen preparation was performed: (I) adhesive core-and-post build-up (control), (II) as (I) and 2 mm apical root resection (AR), (III) before adhesive core-and-post build-up teeth were shortened 2 mm coronally (OE) (IV) as (I), but specimens were embedded 4 mm instead of 2 mm below the CEJ (SCL), group (V) implant-borne restoration with individual all-ceramic abutments (n = 12; ∅4.1/l = 12 mm) (IBR). All specimens received all-ceramic crowns, thermo-mechanical (TML), and subsequent linear loading (LL) until failure. RCRR were calculated and log-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, and chi-square tests applied (p = 0.05).

RESULTS

Fracture loads after subsequent LL differed significantly (p = 0.001) between groups, while implants showed the highest values. Fmax median (min/max) were as follows: (I) 252 (204/542), (II) 293 (243/443), (III) 253 (183/371), (IV) 195 (140/274), and (V) 446 (370/539). Pair-wise comparison showed significant differences (p = 0.001) between group I/IV and group V, I, and IV (p = 0.045), II and IV (p = 0.001), and III compared to IV (p = 0.033), respectively. RCRR below 1 significantly increased load capability compared to RCRR = 1.

CONCLUSIONS

OE appears to preferably ensure biomechanical stability of teeth that are endodontically treated and receive core-and-post and crown placement compared to SCL. AR has no adverse biomechanical impact. RCRR < 1 is biomechanically beneficial.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

For endodontically treated and restored teeth, orthodontic extrusion should be preferred compared to surgical crown lengthening prior single-crown restoration. As orthodontic extrusion, apical root resection has no adverse effect on load capability. Single-crown implant-borne restorations are most load capable.

Cost-effectiveness of root canal treatment compared with tooth extraction in a Swedish Public Dental Service: A prospective controlled cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of root canal treatment (RCT) compared with a tooth extraction in a general dental practice setting, with reference to cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained over 1 year.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective controlled cohort study based on patients either starting RCT or undergoing extraction at one of six Public Dental Service clinics in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden. From a total of 65 patients, 2 comparable groups were formed: 37 started RCT and 28 underwent extraction. A societal perspective was used for the cost calculations. QALYs were estimated, based on the EQ-5D-5L given to the patients at their first treatment appointment and then after 1, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

The total mean cost of RCT ($689.1) was higher than for extraction ($280.1). For those patients whose extracted tooth was replaced, the costs were even higher ($1245.5). There were no significant intergroup differences in QALYs, but a significant improvement in health state values in the tooth-preserving group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the short term, extraction was cost-effective compared with preserving a tooth with RCT. However, the potential need for future replacement of the extracted tooth, by an implant, fixed prosthesis, or removable partial dentures, may change the calculation in favor of RCT.

Cost-effectiveness analysis: nonsurgical root canal treatment versus single-tooth implant

BACKGROUND

Economic evaluation of nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) and single-tooth implant (STI) provides useful information for medical decision. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of NSRCT versus single-tooth implant (STI) after 5-year treatment in a university affiliated hospital in Beijing, China.

METHODS

211 patients who underwent NSRCT and 142 patients who had STI were included and recalled after 5-year treatment. The propensity scores were used to match the cases of two treatment modalities. At recall, outcomes were determined based on clinical and radiographical examinations. For endodontically treated cases, absence or reduction of radiolucency were defined as success. Marginal bone loss (MBL) ≤ 4 mm were determined as success for implant cases. Direct and indirect costs were calculated in China Yuan (CNY). Patients' willingness to pay (WTP) for each treatment modality was evaluated by questionnaires. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the societal perspective.

RESULTS

170 patients with 120 NSRCT teeth and 96 STI were available at recall. Based on propensity score matching, 76 endodontically treated teeth were matched to 76 implants. Absence of the radiolucency was observed in 58 of 76 endodontically treated teeth (76%) and reduction of the radiolucency in 9 of 76 teeth (12%) and altogether the success rate was 88%. 100% implants were detected with marginal bone loss (MBL) ≤ 4 mm. The cost advantage of NSRCT (4,751 CNY) over STI (20,298 CNY) was more pronounced. Incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 129,563 CNY (STI-NSRCT) per success rate gained. It exceeded the patients' willingness to pay value 7,533 CNY.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes of NSRCT and STI could be predictable after 5-year treatment. NSRCT may be more cost-effective than STI for managing endodontically diseased teeth.

Factors Associated with Patients' Rejection of Root Canal Treatment in a Tertiary Hospital, Southwest Nigeria: A Pilot Survey

Objective

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a major procedure in dentistry. It aims to relieve the pain of pulpal origin and maintain the affected tooth as a functional unit on the arch. Despite these achievable goals, RCT is sometimes rejected by patients. This study, therefore, sought to assess the reasons for rejection in patients planned for endodontic/RCT.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional pilot survey of patients planned for RCT using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographics, the Index for Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C), and questions to assess the reasons for rejection of endodontic treatment. Data collected were analysed with IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software program, version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used; chi-square was used to test the association between categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Result

Thirty-one patients between the age range of 16 and 81 years, with a mean age of 38.16 ± 17.87, participated in the survey. Only nine (29.03%) of the participants declined to have the treatment. The majority 6(66.7%), and 7(77.8%) of those that refused the treatment did so, due to fear of drilling (P = 0.014) and cost of treatment (P = 0.001), respectively. Mean IDAF-4C was 1.86 ± 0.9 (standard deviation).The rejection was, however, not affected by past experience, the risk of taking multiple radiographs, and the number of hours or visits for the procedure.

Conclusion

The cost of treatment and fear of drilling were the major reasons for the rejection of RCT in this study. Therefore, there is a need to further look into making endodontic treatment a more comfortable, less costly, and less fear-provoking procedure for patients.

Factors that affect the outcomes of root canal treatment and retreatment-A reframing of the principles

This paper undertakes a broad and comprehensive synthesis of relevant clinical, biological, biomechanical, technical and healthcare services data to understand the factors affecting outcomes of periapical healing after root canal (re)treatment. The medical and dental evidence-based era (1980-present) is contextualized with the earlier evidence drive in endodontics (1911-1940) triggered by the focal infection era. The current evidence-based approach has a sharper focus on evidence quality and derivation of practice guidelines. Contrary views question whether guideline-driven, or expertise-development-driven endeavours would best serve outcome improvement in society. The endodontic discipline functions in a broad healthcare framework and sustains industrial, economic and trend pressures that may be deemed to influence outcomes. The nature of root canal treatment and the challenges in determining the factors that affect its outcomes is discussed. The factors potentially affecting periapical healing after root canal treatment are classified into pre-operative, intra-operative and postoperative groups. These categories subsume multiple elements with interactive influences, creating a complex picture, further confounded by some apparently surprising, counter-intuitive and contradictory findings. The technical versus biological conundrum in root canal treatment continues to cause cognitive dissonance. However, due reflection and cross-discipline-synthesis resolve the apparent data conflicts into a very simple, consistent and plausible picture of how root canal treatment works and the key factors that affect periapical healing. Root canal retreatment is considered mainly in the context of its differences from primary treatment as the majority of factors influencing outcomes are common to both. The exceptional difference is that retreatments have a proportionately reduced probability of healing by virtue of compromised apical root canal ramification access or modified host/infection interactions. Root canal (re)treatment outcomes are dominantly influenced by the nature of prior dynamic host/infection interaction (pre-operative patient factors) and how the direction of this dynamic is influenced by two factors: (1) the active efficacy of the operators' root canal treatment protocol to sustain a microbial ecological shift (intra-operative treatment factors) and dampen periapical inflammation; and (2) the passive ability of the functional tooth (and its restoration margin) to maintain its integrity to resist infection reversal (postoperative restorative factors).

Health economic evaluation of endodontic therapies

Healthcare is an expensive endeavour, and it is likely that costs for endodontic treatment will grow over the next decade. The assessment of costs and, in most cases, health outcomes, and the comparison of the cost-health ratio of interventions, is at the heart of health economics. The present review aims to introduce the main concepts of health economic analysis, to systematically review the existing economic endodontic literature, and to deduce further action for the community. Overall, the identified body of evidence on the health economics of endodontic therapies is heterogenous and has several limitations: Not all studies identified robust data to inform their analyses and many relied on a wide range of assumptions, which were only explored for their impact in a limited way. However, a number of themes were identified from the review: (1) Maintaining pulpal vitality is preferable over root canal treatment if possible when it comes to cost-effectiveness. (2) Retaining teeth is usually more cost-effective than removing and replacing them. (3) Endodontic retreatment may be clinically indicated, but not always cost-effective, and should hence be considered carefully. In conclusion, the general sparsity of economic analyses is a concern, as decision makers such as commissioners or those funding dental care increasingly rely on them. The endodontic community is called to action to improve the competency of both researchers to conduct such analyses and consider them when planning research, but also clinicians who should factor in health economics when assigning interventions. Health economics should become an accepted pillar of endodontic research.

Is amalgam removal in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms cost-effective? A prospective cohort and decision modelling study in Norway

There are many patients in general practice with health complaints that cannot be medically explained. Some of these patients attribute their health complaints to dental amalgam restorations. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of the removal of amalgam restorations in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) attributed to amalgam fillings compared to usual care, based on a prospective cohort study in Norway. Costs were determined using a micro-costing approach at the individual level. Health outcomes were documented at baseline and approximately two years later for both the intervention and the usual care using EQ-5D-5L. Quality adjusted life year (QALY) was used as a main outcome measure. A decision analytical model was developed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Both probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainty in costs and effectiveness. In patients who attribute health complaints to dental amalgam restorations and fulfil the inclusion and exclusion criteria, amalgam removal is associated with modest increase in costs at societal level as well as improved health outcomes. In the base-case analysis, the mean incremental cost per patient in the amalgam group was NOK 19 416 compared to the MUPS group, while mean incremental QALY was 0.119 with a time horizon of two years. Thus, the incremental costs per QALY of the intervention was NOK 162 680, which is usually considered cost effective in Norway. The estimated incremental cost per QALY decreased with increasing time horizon, and amalgam removal was found to be cost saving over both 5 and 10 years. This study provides insight into the costs and health outcomes associated with the removal of amalgam restorations in patients who attribute health complaints to dental amalgam fillings, which are appropriate instruments to inform health care priorities.

Patient record assessment of results and related resources spent during one year after initiation of root canal treatment in a Swedish public dental organisation

Aim

To document treatment outcomes and related resources, in patients undergoing root canal treatment (RCT) in county public dental clinics, by monitoring patient records for 12 months from treatment start.

Methodology

The subjects comprised 243 patients starting RCT at 20 public dental clinics in Västra Götaland county, Sweden. Their computerized dental records were monitored prospectively for a year after starting their endodontic treatment. Treatment was completed with either a root filling or extraction. The following treatment‐specific variables were registered: number of appointments and days until treatment was completed, possible complications and prescriptions for antibiotics, and for the root filled teeth: type of coronal restoration and further procedures undertaken within the year. The treatment outcomes were compared with the preoperative variables and in a logistic regression analysis.

Results

Complete data were available for 240 patients (98.8%): 128 women and 112 men, with a mean age of 48.5 years (SD = 16.3). Molar teeth predominated (n = 113, 47.1%). Most cases were completed with a root filling (n = 169, 70.4%). The remainder were extracted (n = 32, 13.3%) or were still uncompleted (n = 39, 16.3%). On average, a root filling was completed in 2.4 (SD = 0.9) appointments, or extraction at the third appointment (SD = 1.6). The molars were less often completed and often predominant among the extracted teeth. The indication for extraction was often for endodontic or RCT‐related reasons. Most complications were registered in the molars and antibiotics were prescribed in 20 cases. Most root filled teeth were restored with a direct restoration. Four root filled teeth (2.4%) were extracted within the time period.

Conclusions

Patient records, followed from the start of treatment, show that 12 months on, the root filling had not been completed in just under 30% of the teeth. Of these, about half were extracted. Of particular concern is the outcome for endodontic treatment of molar teeth. In the general practice setting, molar endodontics are not only technically challenging but also very demanding in terms of chairside resources. In the present study, a successful outcome was achieved in just over half the cases.

Five-to-five clear aligner therapy: predictable orthodontic movement for general dentist to achieve minimally invasive dentistry

Background

Esthetic dentistry has become a very important aspect of every dental treatment from the patient perspective, whether it is orthodontics or implant therapy. The aim of this article is to describe the advantages of a newly developed branch of five-to-five clear aligner therapy (CAT) (Invisalign Go, Align Technology, San Jose, Calif) in interdisciplinary treatments especially in terms of minimally invasive interventions.

Case presentation

Two case reports are presented together with a comprehensive analysis using the SAFE (Safety, Assessment, Function, Ethics) assessment. This paper aims to introduce a new systematic in CAT. Invisalign Go (Align Technology, Santa Clara, California, USA) allows orthodontic treatment from second premolar and second premolar in both arches. It is specially designed for general practitioners devoted to restorative dentistry for a better planning of a multidisciplinary and mini-invasive treatment plan.

Discussion and conclusion

The clinical results demonstrate how CAT is extremely useful in multidisciplinary treatment plan in order to straighten teeth especially in a pre-restorative phase to allow minimally invasive and adhesive restorations.

Cost-utility analysis of an implant treatment in dentistry

Background

When dealing with the replacement of one missing tooth, the patient has the option of choosing between different types of treatment interventions. Several important factors play a role in his decision-making process, including his limited financial means and his efforts to solve the problem of missing teeth as effectively as possible. The main goal of the study is the economic-clinical evaluation of implant treatment, as a surgical-prosthetic method in dentistry, in case of replacement of one missing tooth of the molar area.

Methods

Cost-utility analysis from the patient's perspective is used for evaluation. The selected comparator is a purely prosthetic solution with the help of a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis. Cost-utility analysis is modelled using Markov models, which consider a 30-year time horizon.

Results

Based on the results of modelling, the intervention evaluated by the patient, i.e. treatment with the help of implant-supported single crown, brings exactly 15.31 quality-adjusted prosthesis years (QAPY) after 30 years. The value of incremental cost-utility ratio amounted to USD − 1434.

Conclusion

The results of the cost-utility analysis suggest that implant treatment with an implant-supported single crown is more cost-effective than treatment with the three-unit fixed dental prosthesis.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Rehabilitation Interventions for Teeth With Extensive Coronary Destruction

OBJECTIVE

To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of rehabilitation interventions for management of posterior teeth (molar) with extensive coronary destruction.

METHODOLOGY

An economic model by Markov simulated a hypothetical 10-year cohort with 1,000 patients requiring treatment for a molar tooth with pulp necrosis and extensive coronary destruction. This study adopted the perspective of a local manager from Specialized Center in Dentistry, based on the transfer from the Ministry of Health. Treatments were proposed: Tooth Extraction + Removable Partial Denture (TE+RPD); Root Canal Treatment + Intra-Radicular Restoration + Single Crown (RCT+RIR+SC); and Tooth Extraction + Dental Implant + Single Crown (TE+DI+SC). The costs were obtained from the SUS Integrated System of Procedures, Medicines and orthoses; prostheses and special materials table management (SIGTAP). Failure and survival rates were obtained from systematic reviews. The variable "years of survival" was an outcome of effectiveness. The probabilistic simulation considered the confidence interval of 95%, variation of parameters by 5% and annual discount rate of 5%.

RESULTS

TE+RPD intervention presented lower cost and effectiveness. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of RCT+IRR+SC and TE+DI+SC interventions compared to TE+RPD were $13.06 and $9.92 per year of survival. Compared to RCT+IRR+SC, the TE+DI+SC intervention had an ICER=$26.90 per year of survival. The acceptability curve indicates that the choice of intervention depends on the willingness to pay.

CONCLUSION

The RCT+IRR+SC intervention presented a balance of cost-effectiveness. Rehabilitation with implants can be considered in view of the higher expectation of longevity and, especially, greater willingness to pay.

Endodontic Periapical Lesion: An Overview on the Etiology, Diagnosis and Current Treatment Modalities

Nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatments have a high success rate in the treatment and prevention of apical periodontitis when carried out according to standard and accepted clinical principles. Nevertheless, endodontic periapical lesions remain in some cases, and further treatment should be considered when apical periodontitis persists. Although several treatment modalities have been proposed for endodontically treated teeth with persistent apical periodontitis, there is a need for less invasive methods with more predictable outcomes. The advantages and shortcomings of existing approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of endodontic periradicular lesions are discussed in this review.

Single crowns on tooth root-resected molars: A retrospective multicentric study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Data regarding single restorations on molars treated with root resection and separation are limited.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical success and survival of single crowns on root-resected molars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-six molars were treated with root resection or hemisection, prepared with feather-edge margins and restored with single crowns in 73 patients. The patients were clinically evaluated during regular recall appointments in 2018. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 88.7 months (standard deviation, 70.6; range, 6 to 284). Six failures were recorded during the observation period, with a cumulative survival rate of 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective evaluation, single crowns on root-resected molars with feather-edge margins had clinical outcomes similar to those reported for single crowns on implants in the molar area. First molars and molars with 2 retained roots showed a better survival rate than second molars.

Dentists and Dental Intern’s Preferences of Root Canal Treatment with Restoration Versus Extraction then Implant-Supported Crown Treatment Plan

Objectives:

The intent of this study was to evaluate and compare the preferences and treatment choices between dentists and dental interns with regard to the following different treatment modalities: Root Canal Treatment (RCT) with restoration versus extraction with Implant-Supported Crown (ISC) or surgical treatment in relation to the given case scenarios.

Methods:

The questionnaire was presented as an online survey with a case scenario. The total number of the respondents were 165. The four clinical case scenarios included an anterior and posterior tooth having apical periodontitis, with and without previous RCT. The treatment options were as follows: RCT with restoration, extraction then implant, and surgical treatment.

Results:

A total of 165 dentists and dental interns were included in this study. A hundred and three 62.4% respondents were dentists, 60; 36.3% were males and 105; 63.7% were females. Most of the respondents graduated from the College of Dentistry, Jazan University (93.9%). The highest percentages and numbers for Anterior Teeth (AT) were selected in related to the RCT and restorations in the four scenarios among gender, dentists, and interns, with no considerable differences. A high percentage of RCT and restoration option was recorded for Posterior Teeth (PT) with no previous restoration and around 50% for the same treatment modality to posterior teeth with previous restorations. For Future Planning Postgraduate Studies (FPPS), it was obvious that most of the selected specialties agreed with the RCT and restorations choice.

Conclusion:

All dentists and interns in both genders preferred RCT with restorations over extraction, and then ISC in the AT with and without previous RCTs. In the PT with no previous RCT, the participants agreed that RCT with restorations is superior to other choices. Among the FPPS, the respondents demonstrated an absolute agreement to RCT and restorations as a treatment of choice for different scenarios.

Clinical Significance:

Dentists should preserve the natural teeth by RCT with restoration as the first treatment choice followed by other choices. The nonsurgical approach should always be adopted as a routine measure in PA lesions of endodontic origin. Conservative orthograde endodontic therapy demonstrates favorable outcomes with a regular periodic review and assessment of the healing process of PA lesions.

Natural tooth preservation versus extraction and implant placement: patient preferences and analysis of the willingness to pay

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients' willingness to pay (WTP) values and preference for the treatment of a tooth with very poor prognosis, among two options: root canal therapy and crown positioning or tooth extraction, implant insertion and crown positioning.Methods A total of 103 patients were recruited from a private dental clinic and interviewed. A questionnaire measured individuals' preferences among the two alternative treatments for a tooth with poor prognosis and the maximum amount of money they would be willing to pay for their choice with a starting bid of [euro]2,000 in [euro]100 increment/decrement. Demographic data, patient choice, median values and WTP association with socio-demographic factors (Student ttest and one-way ANOVA) and correlation between variables (Pearson chi-square test) were revealed.Results Seventy-six percent of patients expressed a preference for root canal therapy, while the remaining 24% chose the dental surgery. A fair agreement between previous experience and current therapeutic choice was found (P = 0.0001). The WTP median value was [euro]2,000 and 46% of participants would pay an additional sum of money for the therapy (median: [euro]300). The preferred treatment was influenced by previous experience, but no association was found between WTP values and socio-demographic factors.Conclusion Patients tend to prefer a conservative approach for the treatment of a tooth with poor prognosis and are willing to pay an additional fee to receive their treatment choice.

Failure of single-unit restorations on root filled posterior teeth: a systematic review

This systematic review investigated the failure rate of conventional single-unit restorations in root filled posterior permanent teeth. Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria, extracted data and assessed the quality of the evidence of each included study according to the Cochrane Collaboration's procedures for randomized control trials (RCTs) and the STROBE criteria for observational studies. The MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register and CENTRAL (via Cochrane Library) databases were searched electronically (January 1993 to week 1, February 2015). This was complemented by an additional hand search of selected journals and the references of relevant studies. Clinical studies published on root filled single-unit restorative treatments with a mean follow-up period of at least 3 years were selected. The outcome measured was clinical or radiological failure. Overall, the four RCTs and the single observational study included were of low and high quality, respectively. Therefore, a meta-analysis was not possible. The pooled mean failure rates were reported according to the type of treatment and remaining coronal tooth structure. The current evidence suggested that the failure rates of the treatments may depend on the amount of remaining tooth structure and type of treatment. Post-retained crowns were associated with the most favourable outcome in teeth with one to two remaining coronal tooth wall(s), whereas post-free crowns were superior when greater tooth structure was available. Restorations in teeth without ferrules had such a high rate of failure that other treatment options should be considered.

An endodontic conundrum: the association between pulpal infection and periodontal disease

This paper reviews the classification of periodontal-endodontic lesions and considers the pathways through which inflammatory lesions or bacteria may communicate between the pulp and the periodontium. Such communications have previously underpinned the classification of periodontal-endodontic lesions but a more up-to-date approach is to focus specifically on those lesions that originate concurrently as pulpal infection (and necrosis) and periodontal disease on the affected teeth. In doing so, both conventional periodontal and endodontic treatments are indicated for the affected teeth, although more complex management strategies may occasionally be indicated.

Root Canal Treatment versus Single-Tooth Implant: A Systematic Review of Internet Content

INTRODUCTION

There is an absence of professional consensus regarding when a tooth should be retained with root canal treatment and when to extract and replace it with an implant. Considering that patients often seek health-related information on the Internet, completeness and accuracy of online content are highly desirable. Websites should also fulfill several technical characteristics to be accessible to all.

METHODS

The search term root canal treatment implant was entered into 4 search engines. The first 100 webpages per engine search were evaluated. After removal of duplicates, those webpages comparing root canal treatment against single-tooth implant by using the AAE Implant Statement criteria as a benchmark were included. Completeness of information was evaluated against the AAE Statement by using a binary scale assessment tool. The related content was synthesized by using a protocol for systematic review of textual, non-research evidence. The webpages/sites were assessed for accessibility, usability, reliability, and quality of information by using the DISCERN and LIDA tools.

RESULTS

Twenty-six relevant webpages were found. Information completeness scores ranged from 1 to 6; however, nearly one third scored 1. Nine syntheses were derived relating to survival rates, tooth restorability, bone quality, esthetic demands, and systemic factors. The median overall scores for LIDA and DISCERN were 72% and 61%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is scarcity of information available on the Internet for the lay public with respect to the specific clinical question, although the webpages' content was consistent with available scientific literature. The accessibility, usability, reliability, and quality of information were largely moderate or low.

The analysis of cost-effectiveness of implant and conventional fixed dental prosthesis

PURPOSE

This study conducted an analysis of cost-effectiveness of the implant and conventional fixed dental prosthesis (CFDP) from a single treatment perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Markov model for cost-effectiveness analysis of the implant and CFDP was carried out over maximum 50 years. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed by the 10,000 Monte-Carlo simulations, and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEAC) were also presented. The results from meta-analysis studies were used to determine the survival rates and complication rates of the implant and CFDP. Data regarding the cost of each treatment method were collected from University Dental Hospital and Statistics Korea for 2013. Using the results of the patient satisfaction survey study, quality-adjusted prosthesis year (QAPY) of the implant and CFDP strategy was evaluated with annual discount rate.

RESULTS

When only the direct cost was considered, implants were more cost-effective when the willingness to pay (WTP) was more than 10,000 won at 10^th year after the treatment, and more cost-effective regardless of the WTP from 20^th year after the prosthodontic treatment. When the indirect cost was added to the direct cost, implants were more cost-effective only when the WTP was more than 75,000 won at the 10^th year after the prosthodontic treatment, more than 35,000 won at the 20^th year after prosthodontic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The CFDP was more cost-effective unless the WTP was more than 75,000 won at the 10^th year after prosthodontic treatment. But the cost-effectivenss tendency changed from CFDP to implant as time passed.

Single crowns versus conventional fillings for the restoration of root-filled teeth

BACKGROUND

Endodontic treatment involves removal of the dental pulp and its replacement by a root canal filling. Restoration of root filled teeth can be challenging due to structural differences between vital and non-vital root-filled teeth. Direct restoration involves placement of a restorative material e.g. amalgam or composite, directly into the tooth. Indirect restorations consist of cast metal or ceramic (porcelain) crowns. The choice of restoration depends on the amount of remaining tooth, and may influence durability and cost. The decision to use a post and core in addition to the crown is clinician driven. The comparative clinical performance of crowns or conventional fillings used to restore root-filled teeth is unknown. This review updates the original, which was published in 2012.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of restoration of endodontically treated teeth (with or without post and core) by crowns versus conventional filling materials.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS via BIREME. We also searched the reference lists of articles and ongoing trials registries.There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. The search is up-to-date as of 26 March 2015.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised controlled trials in participants with permanent teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment. Single full coverage crowns compared with any type of filling materials for direct restoration or indirect partial restorations (e.g. inlays and onlays). Comparisons considered the type of post and core used (cast or prefabricated post), if any.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trial and assessed its risk of bias. We carried out data analysis using the 'treatment as allocated' patient population, expressing estimates of intervention effect for dichotomous data as risk ratios, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included one trial, which was judged to be at high risk of performance, detection and attrition bias. The 117 participants with a root-filled, premolar tooth restored with a carbon fibre post, were randomised to either a full coverage metal-ceramic crown or direct adhesive composite restoration. None experienced a catastrophic failure (i.e. when the restoration cannot be repaired), although only 104 teeth were included in the final, three-year assessment. There was no clear difference between the crown and composite group and the composite only group for non-catastrophic failures of the restoration (1/54 versus 3/53; RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.04 to 3.05) or failures of the post (2/54 versus 1/53; RR 1.96; 95% CI 0.18 to 21.01) at three years. The quality of the evidence for these outcomes is very low. There was no evidence available for any of our secondary outcomes: patient satisfaction and quality of life, incidence or recurrence of caries, periodontal health status, and costs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to assess the effects of crowns compared to conventional fillings for the restoration of root-filled teeth. Until more evidence becomes available, clinicians should continue to base decisions about how to restore root-filled teeth on their own clinical experience, whilst taking into consideration the individual circumstances and preferences of their patients.

What constitutes an ideal dental restorative material?

Intense environmental concerns recently have prompted dentistry to evaluate the performance and environmental impact of existing restoration materials. Doing so entices us to explore the 'what if?' innovation in materials science to create more ideal restorative materials. Articulating a specification for our design and evaluation methods is proving to be more complicated than originally anticipated. Challenges exist not only in specifying how the material should be manipulated and perform clinically but also in understanding and incorporating implications of the skill of the operator placing the restoration, economic considerations, expectations patients have for their investment, cost-effectiveness, influences of the health care system on how and for whom restorations are to be placed, and global challenges that limit the types of materials available in different areas of the world. The quandary is to find ways to actively engage multiple stakeholders to agree on priorities and future actions to focus future directions on the creation of more ideal restorative materials that can be available throughout the world.

Choice of Treatment Plan Based on Root Canal Therapy versus Extraction and Implant Placement: A Mini Review

Case selection and treatment plan are important aspects of endodontic treatment. Dentists should organize the treatment plan based on their knowledge, abilities, skills and more importantly the patients’ preference and dentition. Indubitably, the treatment plan for each patient is exclusive and “tailor-made” and cannot be used for all patients. Dentists’ selfestimation of their abilities opens up treatment options; however, in difficult or complicated cases it is advisable to refer to a specialist. Currently, one of the most challenging aspects in dentistry is the choice between extraction and placement of implant (EPI) instead of a complicated root canal treatment (RCT). Overemphasis on one treatment plan while neglecting other options, not only mislead the dentist but also impose unnecessary charges to the patients. This mini-review compares RCT to EPI from various aspects to help practitioners in routine decision making.

Conservative treatment of a large facial midroot perforation

Aim. To report on the endodontic and periodontal management of a root and alveolar process perforation in a maxillary front tooth. Summary. Perforation during access cavity preparation is an infrequent complication during endodontic therapy, leading to potential periodontal tissue breakdown. The case described the two-stage management of a massive facial root perforation requiring a connective tissue graft to correct a mucosal fenestration persisting after orthograde repair of the root defect with MTA.

Secondary Treatment for Asymptomatic Root Canal Treated Teeth: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis

INTRODUCTION

When faced with a clinically asymptomatic root canal treated tooth with certain radiographic findings (e.g., underextended or overextended root fillings or persistent periapical lesions), clinicians need to decide between endodontically retreating the tooth before restoration or not retreating it now but possibly later on. The present study compared the cost-effectiveness of both strategies.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed following a root canal treated, clinically asymptomatic molar with one of the described radiographic findings in a 50-year-old patient during his lifetime. Hazard functions were derived from systematically and non-systematically assessed literature, and costs were estimated for German health care. Monte Carlo microsimulations were performed for teeth with composite restorations, crowns, or post-core crowns, and costs per year of tooth retention were calculated.

RESULTS

Regardless of the radiographic findings, not performing immediate retreatment was found to be significantly less costly (589-954 Euro) and more effective (retention time, 25-29 years) than immediately performing secondary root canal treatment (1163-1359 Euro, 25-27 years). Both strategies had similar effectiveness only for teeth that received post-core crowns, whereas immediate retreatment remained more expensive. The uncertainty around the obtained strategy ranking was low.

CONCLUSIONS

The high costs for secondary root canal treatment do not seem to be outweighed by the increased risks associated with certain radiographic findings in asymptomatic teeth. Our results should be interpreted with caution because the quality of the underlying data is limited.

Factors affecting direction and strength of patient preferences for treatment of molar teeth with nonvital pulps

AIM

To elicit the factors affecting willingness to pay (WTP) values for the preferred options of participants for dealing with a molar tooth with a nonvital pulp, a common but difficult problem.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 503 patients were recruited from dental practices in the North East of England and interviewed. Their preferred treatment option for a molar tooth with a nonvital pulp (endodontics, extraction and various prosthetic restorative options) and WTP for this preferred option were elicited. Factors affecting preferred option and WTP were analysed using econometric modelling.

RESULTS

Overall, 53% of the sample wished to save the tooth with a mean WTP of £373. The variance in WTP was high. Of those opting for extraction, the majority chose to leave a gap or have an implant. The preferred option was influenced by previous treatment experience. WTP was only influenced by having a low income.

CONCLUSIONS

The high level of variance in WTP and its relatively unpredictable nature pose difficult questions for policy makers trying to ensure the delivery of an equitable service. For dentists, it is important not to make assumptions about patient preference and strength of preference when making decisions. Ideally, WTP values should be considered alongside effectiveness data, and those on costs, in policy making.

An economic evaluation of maxillary implant overdentures based on six vs. four implants

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to assess the value for money achieved by bar-retained implant overdentures based on six implants compared with four implants as treatment alternatives for the edentulous maxilla.

METHODS

A Markov decision tree model was constructed and populated with parameter estimates for implant and denture failure as well as patient-centred health outcomes as available from recent literature. The decision scenario was modelled within a ten year time horizon and relied on cost reimbursement regulations of the German health care system. The cost-effectiveness threshold was identified above which the six-implant solution is preferable over the four-implant solution. Uncertainties regarding input parameters were incorporated via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis based on Monte-Carlo simulation.

RESULTS

Within a base case scenario of average treatment complexity, the cost-effectiveness threshold was identified to be 17,564 € per year of denture satisfaction gained above of which the alternative with six implants is preferable over treatment including four implants. Sensitivity analysis yielded that, depending on the specification of model input parameters such as patients' denture satisfaction, the respective cost-effectiveness threshold varies substantially.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that bar-retained maxillary overdentures based on six implants provide better patient satisfaction than bar-retained overdentures based on four implants but are considerably more expensive. Final judgements about value for money require more comprehensive clinical evidence including patient-centred health outcomes.

Treatment planning the endodontic-implant interface

One of the most challenging treatment planning decisions in restorative dentistry is the retention of a root filled tooth or its extraction and replacement with an implant. Making an informed judgement relies upon not only clinical experience and expertise but also interpretation of the published clinical evidence. In the last few years, more robust data and closer scrutiny of the evidence has helped to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of these treatment modalities. The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative review of some of the factors that may influence treatment planning for root canal treated teeth and indications for whether these teeth would be better replaced by an implant. From the evidence presented it is clear that both treatments have a place in contemporary restorative dental treatment and that survival for both root filled teeth and implants are similar. Unsurprisingly, both these treatment choices require high standards of clinical expertise and careful planning to ensure the best outcome.

Cost-effectiveness of tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate elderly: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing two different tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate older patients, namely partial removable dental prostheses (RDP) and functionally orientated treatment based on the shortened dental arch concept (SDA).

METHODS

Ninety-two partially dentate older patients completed a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: the RDP group and the SDA group. Treatment effect was measured using impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHrQOL), and the costs involved in providing and maintaining care were recorded for all patients. Patients were followed for 12 months after treatment intervention. All treatment was provided by a single operator.

RESULTS

The total cost of achieving the minimally important clinical difference (MID) in OHrQOL for an average patient in the RDP group was €464.64. For the SDA group, the cost of achieving the MID for an average patient was €252.00. The cost-effectiveness ratio was therefore 1:1.84 in favour of SDA treatment.

CONCLUSION

With an increasingly ageing population, many patients will continue to benefit from removable prostheses to replace their missing natural teeth. From a purely economic standpoint, the results from this analysis suggest that the treatment of partially dentate older adults should be focused on functionally orientated treatment because it is simply more cost-effective.

Markov models in dentistry: application to resin-bonded bridges and review of the literature

Markov models are mathematical models that can be used to describe disease progression and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. Markov models allow projecting clinical and economic outcomes into the future and are therefore frequently used to estimate long-term outcomes of medical interventions. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate its use in dentistry, using the example of resin-bonded bridges to replace missing teeth, and to review the literature. We used literature data and a four-state Markov model to project long-term outcomes of resin-bonded bridges over a time horizon of 60 years. In addition, the literature was searched in PubMed Medline for research articles on the application of Markov models in dentistry.

Contemporary issues in the provision of restorative dentistry

This review highlights current issues in the provision of restorative dentistry both in primary and secondary care settings. Current challenges in the provision of restorative procedures are reviewed and methods in improving care and efficiency are proposed. Possible changes to the infrastructure and delivery of care are suggested in order to improve effectiveness and the patient pathway.

Hierarchical decisions on teeth vs. implants in the periodontitis-susceptible patient: the modern dilemma

It is estimated that advanced periodontitis typically affects about 10% of most adult populations studied. These individuals can be considered highly susceptible to periodontitis and often present difficulties for clinicians in therapeutic decision making, especially when dental implants are involved. Poor plaque control and smoking are well established risk factors for periodontitis, as well as for peri-implant disease. Long-term follow-up studies have clearly demonstrated that treatment of periodontal disease, even if advanced, can be successful in arresting disease progression and preventing (or at least significantly delaying) tooth loss. With the increasing development of implant dentistry, traditional well documented and evidence-based therapies to treat periodontal diseases may sometimes not be used to their full potential. Instead, there appears to be an increasing tendency to extract periodontally compromised teeth and replace them with implants, as if implants can solve the problem. However, peri-implant diseases are prevalent, affecting between 28% and 56% of people with implants, and (at the implant level) 12-43% of implants. A history of periodontal disease, smoking and poor oral hygiene are all risk factors for developing peri-implantitis. Unlike periodontitis, there are currently no predictable means for treating peri-implantitis, although resective surgery seems to be the most effective technique. Consequently, if implant treatment is considered in patients who are susceptible to periodontitis, it should be preceded by appropriate and adequate periodontal treatment or re-treatment to control the condition, and should be followed by a stringent supportive maintenance program to prevent the development of peri-implant disease. The decision whether implant treatment should be performed should be based on an assessment of the patient's risk profile at the subject level, as well as at the site level.