[The Last Leaf, The Last Tooth] A Tooth That Feels Like a Lifeline to Someone #Replantation #SavingNaturalTeeth #DrChoiYongHoon

These days, we hear the word "polarization" everywhere,

and it seems dentistry is genuinely heading into an era of polarization as well.

As I see an increasing number of patients pleading to save teeth that are merely hollow shells—cases where one would instinctively think, "There's no way this can be done"—

I find myself wondering whether we even saw such cases just a few years ago.

A middle-aged patient traveled all the way from the countryside.

Exhausted by the thought of another implant, they came determined: "Please, do whatever it takes."

To make travel worse, Seoul had its first snowfall. The patient arrived the evening before, stayed at a nearby hotel,

and showed up at the clinic early the next morning.

They clearly had a long history, pouring out their dental journey the moment they met me.

And it is not just this patient; identical stories are unfolding at this very moment everywhere.

The problem was the extreme tooth damage (refer to photo).

To be completely honest, I had very little confidence.

If the tooth fractured during extraction, I would be devastated, but more than that, I knew how deeply heartbroken the patient would feel.

In all frankness, part of me felt it might be better not to attempt treatment at all.

Yet, without overcomplicating things, the patient declared they were ready to accept any outcome,

and since attempting to save the tooth does not pose a threat to general health or life,

we proceeded with the procedure.

Yes, it might fail.

And it might not last very long either.

However, once you understand the patient's desperate desire to never again discard a natural tooth so casually,

I do not believe anyone can lightly say,

"Just pull it out," simply because it belongs to someone else's body.

Like the protagonist in O. Henry's The Last Leaf, who finds hope for life in a single leaf enduring against the freezing gale,

this painstakingly saved tooth is this patient's very own "last leaf."

Please watch the YouTube video for the full story.

#ToothReplantation #DrChoiYongHoon #SavingNaturalTeeth

Frequently Asked Questions

Must a severely damaged tooth always be extracted?

No, an attempt to save the tooth may still be viable instead of an extraction. Even when damage is severe and only an outer shell remains, preserving treatments can be considered if the patient has a strong desire to keep the tooth and is willing to accept the procedural risks.

Are tooth-saving procedures always successful?

They are not guaranteed to succeed, and there is a risk of failure. In cases of extreme structural compromise, there is a risk of root fracture during manipulation, and even if successful, its lifespan may be limited. These potential risks must be fully acknowledged in advance.

Can I preserve a natural tooth if I already have implants?

Yes, depending on the condition, natural tooth preservation can be attempted. The patient in this case visited specifically to avoid getting another dental implant and wished to preserve their remaining tooth; treatment was carried out in accordance with the patient's firm dedication.

Why choose to save a tooth that is so severely damaged?

The patient's earnest commitment to preserving their natural tooth is the most compelling reason. Even facing high uncertainty—such as potential failure or limited longevity—if the patient is ready to accept every outcome, proceeding with treatment offers a final ray of hope rather than giving in to an easy extraction.