The changing treatment planning paradigm: save the tooth or place an implant.

With the high predictability of dental implants and the emphasis on evidence-based dentistry, treatment planning in periodontics and restorative dentistry is undergoing a paradigm shift. The algorithm of when to try to save periodontally involved teeth and when to extract and place dental implants is changing; however, the dental research has not yet provided definitive answers. This article discusses five main factors to consider during treatment planning and provides guidelines for considering extraction and implant placement or tooth-preservation procedures.