Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine

Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants has received growing popularity in recent years. In order to select the proper treatment plan the clinician should provide a list of all applicable options. Decisions on the treatment of the edentulous area should be performed in consultation with the patient while taking into account the four principles of bioethics, that is, respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. The dentist must inform the patient of all available treatment options and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each modality. Rendering dental services should not be based on wrong principles, so dentists’ knowledge and professional skills must be up-to-date. Informed consent is crucial, and when obtained prior to implant placement, typically will bring about better results and prevent many ethical and legal issues and conflicts. Understanding and approval are two important components of informed consent that can hasten the process of patient recovery. Moreover, patient requests and expectations should not lead to incorrect and unethical decisions on the part of the dentist. Implant dentistry may be a suitable option in replacing missing teeth, but it does not license tooth extraction in any way, as natural teeth should not be extracted in the hope of dental implants. Dental implants are not permanent, are not resistant to infection and disease, are not without risks and complications, and more importantly, require comprehensive care.