Extraction of healthy permanent teeth: An ethical and legal approach

Address for correspondence: alain.bery@wanadoo.fr

Abstract

Indications for the extraction of permanent healthy teeth in dentofacial orthopedics, has been an object of polarized debate between extractionists and nonextractionist since the beginning of the twentieth century.

In a media-hyped environment, where extractions have become routine, this concern that is not addressed during consultation, poses a problem for the patient-practitioner relationship. The practitioner is confronted with a criminal liability known as a failure to respect the physical integrity of the human body and to treat in the patient's best interest. But the question remains: is it ethical to extract healthy teeth?