The use of an option grid to present the treatment modalities for replacing missing teeth in anterior regions

Shared decision-making is an important aspect of Dentistry which is required in everyday practice. When discussing the options for replacing missing anterior teeth, dentists may give vague explanations without providing a clear overall view of the modalities available. An option grid, utilizing statistics obtained from critically appraised literature, is a useful tool in presenting this information to patients. Through a clear, user friendly document with visual representation, both dentist and patient would find the discussion easier to follow. The literature used also helps boost the patient's confidence that he/she is being treated with the latest evidence in mind.

One of the most common questions a dentist faces in everyday practice is ‘How can I replace my missing tooth?’ This may lead to either a long discussion or a short vague explanation of the treatment options available. The problem with this is that patients may be left confused or rely on dentists to decide for them. This in turn can lead to problems later down the line with patients receiving a treatment option that they have not fully understood and with which they are subsequently unhappy. With a rise in medico-legal cases and the importance placed on shared decision-making, there needs to be a shift in the way dentists present information to their patients.