Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Root Canal Treatment of First Permanent Molars Among Children. A Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Patient preference and adherence 2024-05, Vol.18, p.991-997
• Main Authors: Bamashmous, Nada Othman, Dhafar, Wala, Turkistani, Jihan, Almalik, Manal Ibrahim, Zaatari, Rzan, Bahkali, Ahlam, Sabbagh, Heba Jafar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Children; Demographic aspects; first permanent molars; Health aspects; Oral health; oral health-related quality of life; Original Research; Patient outcomes; Pediatrics; Quality of life; Root canal therapy; root canal treatment
• ISSN: 1177-889X; 1177-889X
• DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S457255

This study aimed to assess the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of pediatric patients (9-18 years old) who underwent root canal treatment (RCT) on first permanent molars (FPMs). A cross-sectional study was conducted at three healthcare centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants (n = 482) completed the validated OHIP5-Ar questionnaire to assess OHRQoL. Responses were classified as "optimal" (no problems) or "less than optimal" (any reported problems). Logistic regression analyzed the relationship between OHRQoL and sociodemographic factors. There were 66.8% children reported optimal OHRQoL after RCT. Logistic regression showed no significant association between optimal OHRQoL and gender, family income, or location of treated tooth. However, although not statistically significant. Treating only one FPM with RCT (compared to multiple teeth) and lower family income (compared to higher income) were more likely to have decreased or increased odds of optimal OHRQoL (AOR = 0.684 or 1.424; respectively). RCT on FPMs can be a successful treatment option for pediatric patients, offering optimal oral health-related quality of life.