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Kim SG, Solomon C. J Endod 2011; 37: 321–325

Based on ADA fees (for example, $4,569.95 for a single implant), this study compared the costs to treat a first molar tooth with failed endodontics using different approaches. Endodontic microsurgery was more cost-effective than nonsurgical retreatment that in turn was more cost-effective than extraction and bridge replacement. Extraction and a single implant–supported restoration was the least cost-effective. These findings contrast with those reported by Pennington MW, Vernazza CR et al. (Int Endodont J 2009; 42: 874–883) when treating a central incisor tooth with failed endodontics. Possible explanations for this are that in this study by Kim and Solomon, the 'success rate' for endodontic microsurgery was 94% compared with a 'failure rate' of 32% after apical surgery in the latter study, and the studies used different fee scales.