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Patient preferences regarding 1-visit versus 2-visit root canal therapy
Kaci C Vela1, Richard E Walton, Martin Trope
1Department of Endodontics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|September 18, 2012
Summary
Most patients prefer single-visit root canal therapy (RCT), but many will opt for a two-visit procedure if it offers a higher success rate. Patient preferences significantly influence treatment planning in endodontics.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Treatment Planning
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Patient preferences are crucial in clinical decision-making.
- Root canal therapy (RCT) treatment planning should incorporate patient desires.
- Understanding patient preferences for RCT visit number is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the preferred number of visits for root canal therapy (RCT).
- To assess if patient preferences for RCT visit number correlate with hypothetical success rates.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 351 patients scheduled for initial RCT.
- Patients indicated preferences for 1-visit vs. 2-visit RCT under various success rate scenarios.
- Data analysis involved frequency distributions and evaluation of relationships between success rates and preferences.
Main Results:
- 78% of patients preferred 1-visit RCT when success rates were equal.
- Preference for 2-visit RCT increased significantly as its hypothetical success rate improved.
- Approximately 5% consistently preferred 2-visit RCT, while 20% deferred to dentist recommendation.
Conclusions:
- Most patients favor single-visit root canal therapy (RCT) irrespective of success rates.
- A higher success rate for 2-visit RCT can shift patient preference towards it.
- Discussing success rates and patient wishes is vital for effective treatment planning in endodontics.
