Factors affecting choices of extraction vs endodontic treatment among general dentists in northern Sweden

Abstract: Background   Decision-making within the dental field is an essential factor that influences every aspect of the profession. It is of absolute importance for patients to receive the most suitable treatment for their individual situation. Aim The aim of this study was to examine whether dentists in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden, made suitable therapy choices when faced with teeth with diseases in the dental pulp or in the periradicular tissues. Methods  This was executed by analyzing data from patient journals and deciding whether the chosen treatment was the optimal one or if considered questionable. When faced with questionable treatment choices, the aim was to determine if there was a common denominator between these cases.  Factors taken in consideration when analyzing the journals were the patient’s sex and age, the tooth treated, the total number of teeth including wisdom teeth, x-ray images, cause of the treatment, sex of the dentist responsible and a description of case. In total, 360 patients were analyzed, and 51 were excluded. Result  The result showed that 95% of the analyzed patient cases had a suitable treatment. Conclusion The conclusion was that dentists in Västerbotten make good treatment choices and that it is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the questionable treatments.