Quality of Life after Third Molar Removal in Subjects with Pericoronitis

Abstract

Aims: To assess the quality of life outcomes after third molar surgery in patients with symptoms of pericoronitis in Indian population. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, between in the time period of May 2016 to April 2017. Methodology: 200 Patients in the age group of 18-35 years with impacted mandibular teeth as a risk indicator with pericoronitis were included in the study. All the patients were assessed for the Presence of pain, Inter incisal opening, Presence of Swelling, affect on the daily routine activities like going for work/college, difficulty in taking part in social life, difficulty in chewing and sleeping difficulty in participation in recreational activities like sports before surgical removal of third molar removal, on the day of surgery and post operative day 1, 3, 5, 7 and day 21. Results: This study revealed a statistically significant difference in oral health–related quality of life at 21 days interval after surgical removal of lower third molar when compared with preoperative status with respect to all the parameters. Conclusion: This study concluded that third molar surgery is associated with an improvement in quality of life in the long term but with a deterioration of life quality in the short term (immediate postoperative). Removal of the third molars positively influenced the quality of life outcomes in patients with symptoms of pericoronitis.