Changes in life quality following third molar surgery--the immediate postoperative period.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes patients' perceptions of changes in oral health related quality of life (OHQOL) in the early postoperative period following third molar surgery.


METHODS
One hundred patients were enrolled in a prospective cohort study of the surgical removal of lower third molars under local anaesthetic. Two specific oral health related quality of life measures, OHIP-14 and OHQoLUK, were administered to the study group prior to surgery. Standardized surgical and analgesic protocols were followed. Patients kept a diary of changes in life quality each postoperative day (POD) for 7 days, completing both OHIP-14 and OHQoLUK daily.


RESULTS
Both oral health related quality of life measures identified a significant deterioration in quality of life on POD1 (P<0.01) and this remained evident on POD2 (P<0.01), POD3 (P<0.01), POD4 (P<0.01) and POD5 (P<0.05). By POD6 and POD7 there was no significant difference in quality of life compared with preoperative status (P>0.05). Deterioration in life quality over the study period was associated with postoperative clinical findings (P<0.05): swelling and trismus.


CONCLUSIONS
The study concludes that there is a significant deterioration in oral health related quality of life in the immediate postoperative period following third molar surgery; particularly during the first five days. This is associated with postoperative clinical findings. This has implication for patients deciding on third molar surgery and informed consent.
McGrath
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Associate Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. mcgrathc@hkucc.hku.hk
Comfort
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MB
Lo
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Luo
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D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D009909:Oral Health; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014313:Trismus / Q000209:etiology