Clinical application of endodontic implants.

P reservation of the natural dentition and restqration of the oral cavity to a normal functional state is a primary goal in dentisiry. In addition to advances in cariology and periodontics, the use of intrabone implants has provided a method for maintaining a functional oral environment. There are two types of dental implants; prosthetic implants that replace missing teeth and endodontic impla:nts that use remaining teeth for anchorage. The endoda’ntic implant described by Orlay’ uses the root canal space in an existing tooth as a pathway for the implant to extend into the apical bone. A major advantage of the endodontic implant, in comparison with the prosthetic implant, is that it provides a closed environment that does not communicate with the oral cavity. Complete separation from the oral environment reduces the complications of periodontal breakdown often responsible fo:r implant failures. Frank2 reported the use of endodontic implants for three patients to improve crown-root ratio, thereby decreasing clinical mobility. Others have reported successful use of endodontic implants.3-6 Fig. 1. Preoperative radiograph. Mandibular right central incisor with silver cone perforating laterally.