Methods of maintaining compromised teeth in adults: A literature review

Abstract

The proportion of the remaining tooth structure is crucial for the deliberation of whether or not to preserve a damaged tooth among adults. It has been stated in previous studies that in order to assure long-term care, restoration of a badly damaged tooth with a full crown will more frequently than not be needed. There are numerous methods for maintaining compromised permanent teeth. Apical surgery, root resection, crown resection, autotransplantation, orthodontic extrusion and intentional replantation are the methods that have remarkably high success and survival rates when cases are carefully planned and managed appropriately. These methods have greater importance in adolescence compared to adults, as implants should be preferably delayed until the completion of alveolar bone growth. The present review is aimed to discuss case selection and the techniques involved in the different methods used for maintaining compromised teeth, as well as their success rates. Based on the studies covered in this literature review, a survival rate of at least 80% can be expected for compromised teeth that have undergone treatment with these methods.