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

Abstract

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.