In a recent story on National Public Radio titled “For Better Treatment, Doctors And Patients Share The Decisions”, the case was made that the patient should be told about the chances for success of a possible treatment or a side effect. In 
doing so, the story argued that there would be more informed decision-making and indeed, more compliance post-treatment.
This got me thinking. I wondered how many patients with root caries are told about what the future really holds?
Is this patient told:
- the filling will last 2 to 3 years and then fail
- this condition tends to spread to other teeth
- this condition likely leads to a root canal ($2,000) or an implant ($3,000)
- this condition is now understood to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease?
Probably not. It is a difficult prognosis after all.
At least, before Prevora and its controlled data showing a significant preventive effect on subsequent root caries.
My guess is that given this prognosis, the patient wants to know about his/her options for more prevention. That is what our Facebook community says. They want to know, and they want to avoid the chances of root canals and implants.
Makes sense, doesn’t it?
My guess is that such discussions are rare. The diabetic patient simply proceeds unknowingly done the path of restorative care and winds up with more root caries and with the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
By Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://partnersinprevention.ca/a-difficult-discussion-with-the-patient/
