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Changes in quality of life after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar teeth

  • Clinical Study
  • Published:
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The decision to get impacted teeth removed is not straightforward because of the concerns about its possible outcome. Assessment of quality of life is now regarded as an essential component for assessing outcomes of dental health care. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of impacted third molar teeth surgery on a number of health related outcomes.

Patients and methods

A total of 72 patients undergoing surgical removal of their unilateral impacted mandibular third molar teeth were recruited to participate in this study. Patients were asked to complete two questionnaires, 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the 16-item UK Oral Health related Quality of Life measure questionnaire (OHQOLUK-16) daily for one week following surgery.

Results

There was significant decrease in the mean OHQOLUK-16 score and OHIP-14 scores for the first five postoperative days. There were no significant differences in changes in the mean OHIP-14 scores or OHQOLUK-16 scores on postoperative day 6 and 7.

Conclusion

There was a significant deterioration in oral health related quality of life in the immediate postoperative period, which slowly returned to preoperative level by day 6. This information may be useful in creating realistic expectation for patients who are considering third molar surgery.

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Correspondence to Chopra Deepti.

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Deepti, C., Rehan, H.S. & Mehra, P. Changes in quality of life after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar teeth. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 8, 257–260 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-009-0063-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-009-0063-2

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