Ethics & Law · single question
A patient has terminal cancer. Which treatment should NOT be done?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Dental implants
✓ A) Dental implants should NOT be done.
Implants require osseointegration, surgical healing, and long-term maintenance — all of which are contraindicated in terminal cancer patients due to: compromised healing, potential radiation/chemotherapy effects on bone, limited life expectancy, and the invasive nature of the procedure. Palliative care for terminal patients focuses on comfort measures: pain control, extractions of hopeless teeth, simple prosthetics, and fluoride for xerostomia-induced caries. Implants are elective and long-term — inappropriate in this context.
Implants require osseointegration, surgical healing, and long-term maintenance — all of which are contraindicated in terminal cancer patients due to: compromised healing, potential radiation/chemotherapy effects on bone, limited life expectancy, and the invasive nature of the procedure. Palliative care for terminal patients focuses on comfort measures: pain control, extractions of hopeless teeth, simple prosthetics, and fluoride for xerostomia-induced caries. Implants are elective and long-term — inappropriate in this context.