When a patient requires endodontic therapy, what must be discussed regarding alternative treatments?

When a patient requires endodontic therapy, it is essential to discuss alternative treatments comprehensively to ensure informed consent and patient autonomy. Discussing extracting the tooth as an alternative is crucial because it provides the patient with a full spectrum of treatment options.

By presenting extraction, the clinician helps the patient understand that while endodontic therapy aims to save the tooth, removal is a viable option that is sometimes necessary or preferred depending on individual circumstances. This discussion allows the patient to weigh the risks and benefits of both treatments, acknowledge the potential for tooth loss, and consider their preferences regarding oral health.

The focus must not exclusively be on the benefits of endodontic therapy or the limitations of other treatments, as patients benefit from understanding the totality of their options. Moreover, merely suggesting to wait and see does not actively engage the patient in their treatment plan, which could lead to prolonged pain or complications. Referral to another dentist for extraction without discussing this as an option also misses the opportunity to engage the patient fully in decision-making about their dental care.