Non-surgical Treatment of Pericoronitis and Quality of Life Outcomes

Objectives: Assess the impact on Health Related Quality of Life outcomes of non-surgical treatment of symptomatic 3rd molars, pericoronitis. Methods: Quality of life data from subjects, in an institutional review board-approved study with mild symptoms of pericoronitis, were obtained at enrollment and at a follow-up visit at least two months later. Inclusion criteria were ASA I- II, ages 18-35y. and mild clinical signs/symptoms of pericoronitis affecting at least one mandibular 3rd molar. Those with major symptoms: facial swelling, Temp >1000F., trismus, or dysphagia were excluded. Symptomatic 3rd molars were treated with local debridement; no antibiotics were prescribed. Pain symptoms in the prior week at both time points were from 7-point Likert-type scales and Lifestyle and Oral Function responses 5-point Likert –type scales. Only descriptive statistics are provided since enrollment is continuing. Results: Median age of the 34 subjects was 24.2 years (IQR 20.9-27.2y.) who reported the beginning of symptoms a median 0.5y (IQR 0.3-1.7y) prior to enrollment. More females, 59%, than males, 41%, participated. Forty-four percent were Caucasian, 23% African American and 21% Asian. The median follow-up was 2.9 months (IQR 2.2-4.7mo.). The subjects' who rated their worst pain as severe decreased from 24% to 6% enrollment-to-follow-up. However, only half of the subjects reported worst pain as “little or none” (1-2/7) at follow-up. Median scores for worst pain were 3 (IQR 2-4) at enrollment and 2.5 (IQR 2-3) at follow-up. Eighteen-percent of subjects reported “eating the foods desired” as compromised “quite a bit” or “lots” (4-5/5) at enrollment. Half of the subjects reported “no trouble”(1/5) with oral function at follow-up. Conclusion: Nearly all measures of quality of life improved after non-surgical treatment of patients with mild pericoronitis symptoms, but pericoronitis continued to affect subjects quality of life at lower levels commensurate with this chronic condition. Supported by OMSF.