Changes in life quality following third molar surgery

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Patient centered outcome measures in oral surgery: validity and sensitivity issues

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Patient-centred outcome measures in oral surgery: Validity and sensitivity

The performances of patient-centred outcome measures after oral surgery were evaluated in a prospective cohort study of 100 patients who had third molar extractions. Participants self-completed a questionnaire incorporating a general health (12-item short form health survey: SF-12®) and two specific outcome scales to oral health (oral health impact profile: OHIP-14, and The United Kingdom Oral Health related Quality of Life measure: OHQoL-UK©) preoperatively, daily during the immediate postoperative period, and at the review appointment (7-days later). Ninety-seven completed the study. History of 'taking time off' work/study because of pericoronitis during the past year was significantly associated with preoperative OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UK© scores. There were significant differences in SF-12, OHIP-14, OHQoL-UK© scores during the immediate postoperative period compared with preoperatively, when postoperative symptoms were prevalent. At the review appointment, OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UK© scores were associated with clinical findings. The measures were valid and sensate in relation to oral surgery. However, those specific to oral health were more discerning than the general scale. © 2003 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Can third molar surgery improve quality of life? A 6-month cohort study

Purpose: In this study, we evaluated patients' perceptions of changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL) over a 6-month period after third molar surgery. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients participated in this prospective study. Two specific OHQOL measures, the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the 16-item UK Oral Health-Related Quality of Life measure (QHQoL-UK), were administered to the study group before surgery. Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were used. Patients kept a diary of changes in life quality each postoperative day (POD) for 7 days and were contacted at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results: Both measures identified a significant deterioration in quality of life in the immediate postoperative period (P < .01). However, there was an improvement in OHQOL compared with preoperative status at 1 (P < .05), 3 (P < .05), and 6 (P < .01) months after surgery. Patients perceived physical, social, and psychologic changes in life quality after surgery. Previous pericoronitis was associated with changes in quality of life (P < .05). Conclusion: The study concludes that third molar surgery is associated with changes in OHQOL. This has implications for understanding the value of third molar surgery from patients' perspectives and in assessing health gain. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.link_to_subscribed_fulltex