Oral health‐related quality of life and perceptions of patients following primary root canal treatment or non‐surgical retreatment

• Published in: Australian endodontic journal 2024-12, Vol.50 (3), p.559-570
• Main Authors: Lee, Eileen Yi Ning, Sua, Zi Yee, Bhatia, Shekhar, Kohli, Shivani, Rossi‐Fedele, Giampiero, Doğramacı, Esma J., Nagendrababu, Venkateshbabu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Dentition; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; oral health‐related quality of life; Original Research; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction; patient‐reported experience measures; patient‐reported outcomes; Quality of Life; Retreatment; Retrospective Studies; Root Canal Therapy - methods; Root Canal Therapy - psychology; root canal treatment; Root canals; satisfaction; Teeth
• ISSN: 1329-1947; 1747-4477; 1747-4477
• DOI: 10.1111/aej.12868

This retrospective cohort study compared the effect of primary root canal treatment (RCT) with root canal retreatment (Re‐RCT) on patient‐reported outcomes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Forty randomly selected adults participated (RCT n = 20; Re‐RCT n = 20). The impact their dentition had on the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) was assessed by calculating the prevalence of oral health impact, and the severity score. Focus group discussions using a semi‐structured guide were arranged through an online meeting platform. Qualitative content analysis identified common themes, and relevant quotes gathered. The impact on OHIP‐14 was limited for both RCT and Re‐RCT groups with no significant differences in the prevalence of oral health impact. Significant differences were found for functional limitation (RCT higher) and psychological discomfort (Re‐RCT higher). Common themes from the discussions include the importance of retaining teeth, the significance of effective communication between clinicians and patients and that the respondents were satisfied with the treatment.