As a dentist, have you ever refused to pull out a patients tooth because you knew that you could save it?

Yes but I have also extracted teeth that I knew that could be saved because of the patient’s choice. Teeth that can be saved by involved and expensive treatment are often extracted because the patient cannot afford or doesn’t want the treatment.

Part of the informed consent process is to present my recommendations to the patient but to also tell them of alternative treatments. We discuss the pros/cons and of course fees. Ultimately it is the patient’s choice which treatment they select even if I disagree with it. It is duly noted in their notes.

I draw the line at extracting teeth that only require a simple filling. Such decisions are hard on patients and providers.