Analyzing the Reasons for Patients Opting-out from Root Canal Treatment and Preferring Extraction in South Indian Population—Prospective Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the reasons behind patients opting out from root canal treatment (RCT) and undergoing extraction in south Indian population. Materials and methods: Data of 561patients reported to the department of conservative dentistry and endodontics from the period 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2017 for the treatment of irreversible pulpitis and who eventually decided for extraction were collected. The questionnaires were sent to the patient and collected. The reasons documented were entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software for statistical analysis. The results subjected to frequency distribution tests. Results: The study reveals the primary reason for the patient not undergoing RCT were misbelief in the success of RCT 14.97%, followed by cost factor 13.90% and for immediate pain relief following extraction 13.19%. Conclusion: The patient's misbelief associated with the failure of RCT was the major reason for the patients to opt out of RCT and preferring extraction. Clinical significance: The psychology of the patients in regard towards the root canal treatment can be clearly understood by this study. The article gives an insight into the acceptance and rejection of RCT by patients and therefore helping dentists/ specialists in formulating better treatment plans according to the patient needs.