Decision-Making of Patients Towards Treatment Modalities of Failed Root Canal Therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To determine the awareness and perception of patients towards treatment modalities of failed root canal therapy. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, from 15 August’2021 to 14 October’2021. A total of 292 participants, 155(63%) female and 104(37%) males, were selected for the study. All the participants included had at least one root canal-treated tooth. A well-constructed and validated performa was used to evaluate the patient’s decision for different treatment modalities against a tooth with failed root canal treatment. RESULTS Among the subjects, most patients opted for endodontic re-treatment (60%) in case of root canal treatment failure, whereas the remaining opted for extraction (40%). Out of this, 40% (8%) choose removal of partial denture, (12%) bridge, and implant (20%). CONCLUSION Re-treatment is the first-line treatment option for the previously failed root canal. Our study concluded that most patients would opt for an endodontic re-treatment. The patient's education and awareness level affected the treatment options.

Keywords

• Dental implants
• Root Canal Treatment
• Failed Root Canal Treatment
• Re Root Canal Treatment