Sir, I feel I must challenge the introduction of Professor Becker's fifth article, in his otherwise excellent series on dental implants (BDJ 2006; 201: 199–205).

The inference from the opening paragraph is that there is no place for root amputations, hemisections, etc, in general dental practice. Nothing is further from the truth.

In my 35 years in dental practice, I have often used these simple procedures to maintain an otherwise severely compromised tooth. Frequently these inexpensive procedures were carried out for patients of limited means, and where very expensive implant fixtures would have been out of the question.

I remember a similar discussion and correspondence many moons ago when overdentures were revisited. I have sincere and serious concerns about some 'modern' attitudes. The old ways are not always the best ways, nor are the new ways, but let's have reasoned, balanced evidence based opinion.