The Effect of Pain and Swelling Related to Third Molars on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pain and swelling related to third molars on patients' quality of life prior to third molar surgery. Material and Methods: The effects on quality of life with reference to oral health of 246 healthy patients seeking treatment of third molars were analyzed using the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire before surgery. The patients' sociodemographic characteristics, medical and dental history, reasons for third molar removal were recorded. Adverse effects of pain and swelling on oral health-related quality of life were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 23.15 years, with maximum male patients and the mean OHIP-14 score of 8.01 ± 7.51. About 36.97% of patients reported that their chief complaint was pain/swelling due to third molar infection, and 27.9% of subjects reported one or more of the 14 OHIP items. The odds of reporting for age with ≥25 years was approximately 2 times greater than age with ≤25 years (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.01-2.57) and tooth loss due to traumatic history (OR=3.14, 95% CI: 2.12-6.54). Conclusion: Adverse influences on quality of life were seen in a significant number of patients seeking third molar removal. The probabilities increased by 3-fold for patients who had experienced pain or swelling than asymptomatic individuals.

Quality of life after extraction of mandibular wisdom teeth: A systematic review

“…Regarding the general and local factors, seven studies have evaluated the effect of age and sex variation [ 42 ](45) [ 46 ], smoking, poor oral hygiene [ 43 ], the position of the symptomatic or asymptomatic wisdom tooth [ 21 ](40) and pericoronitis [ 41 ] on the quality of life.…”

“… aged between 18 and 59 years Larsen MK et al [ 18 ] 2021 Double-blind, split-mouth, randomised controlled trial Clinics 52 patients 1, 3, 7 days and 1 months OHIP-14 No significant difference of methylprednisolone or placebo in postoperative sequelae and quality of life after third molar mandibular removal aged between 18 and 39 years Lindeboom JA et al [ 19 ] 2021 Prospective randomized controlled trial Clinics 87 patients 1–7 days OHIP-14 The insertion of an iodine pad into the postoperative socket decreased pain and impact on oral health-related quality of life in the first postoperative week. Average age 26.47 years Doni B R et al [ 21 ] 2021 Descriptive cross-sectional study Clinics 246 patients 3 months OHIP-14 Quality of life after removal of mandibular third molar in asymptomatic patient was better compared to those who were symptomatic. Aged between 15 and 58 years Erdil A et al [ 20 ] 2020 Randomized, controlled clinical trial Clinics 82 patients 2, 7 days OHIP-14 The combination of Kinesio taping with injection of corticosteroides in preoperatively or prescription of anti-inflammatory in postoperative provide results in terms of trismus, Aged between 18 and 65 years edema, and QoL after third molar extraction.…”

Assessment of Third Molar-related Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life using Nepali Version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

“… 12 In current study, 78 (20.16%) responded to the questionnaire "sense of taste has worsened" as 'quite a lot" in contrast to the study conducted in Karnataka, India where only 10 (4%)responded as "often/fairly often" which was related with age,history of loss of the tooth, and the reason behind the toothextraction. 2 …”

“… 1 Impacted third molars (TM) often manifest as pericoronitis resulting in pain, infections, swelling, and functional limitations that affect oral health-related quality of life. 2 - 4 …”

“…Decision-making regarding teeth extraction is vital aspect impacting individual's quality of life. 2 , 4 , 5 The Nepali version of oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) is a standardised tool that can be used to assess TM symptoms relating to oral health-related QoL. 6 Studies have highlighted need for specific research investigating retention versus extraction of asymptomatic TMs and their impact on QoL in short and long term.…”