Are we crossing a line with extensive dental implant treatments? The problem of overtreatment and potential solutions

Abstract

In this opinion article, the problem of overtreatment is discussed, and some examples of potential overtreatment with dental implants are presented. The concept of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) is also presented as a system to help clinicians (and patients) make the most appropriate decisions about treatments with dental implants. In this concept, elements other than the quality of evidence are weighed, such as the balance between benefits and harm, and between a patient's values and good use of resources, to make an appropriate clinical decision. GRADE can be tailored/modified and then used by both clinicians and patients to reduce cases of overtreatment with dental implants.