What is a possible outcome of severe caries in a patient?

Severe caries can lead to significant damage to the tooth structure and, in some cases, the pulp. As the decay progresses, it can result in the creation of large cavities that compromise the integrity of the tooth, eventually leading to structural failure. When tooth structure is extensively damaged and left untreated, it can result in severe tooth loss, whether through extraction due to irreparable damage or through natural loss as the tooth becomes unsustainable in function.

Other outcomes like maintaining teeth or teeth whitening do not apply under the circumstances of severe caries, as these typically require some level of tooth health and integrity. In fact, untreated severe caries would prevent any form of maintenance or aesthetic improvement like whitening. Thus, significant tooth loss is a direct and logical consequence of severe carious lesions if they are not addressed in a timely and effective manner.