Methods: Healthy subjects 18-35 years with mild signs/symptoms of pericoronitis were enrolled in an IRB-approved study. Demographic, clinical, and QoL data were collected at enrollment. Subjects voluntarily scheduled surgery. The principal outcome variable was subjects’ decision to have or not have surgery within six months of enrollment. Possible predictor variables were demographic characteristics, having dental insurance or not, and QoL measures.
Results: The mean age of the 113 subjects was 23.2±3.8 years. Seventy-eight subjects elected 3M removal within six months of enrollment (removed) and 35 subjects retained 3M(s) at six months post-enrollment (retained). Between these two groups, a greater proportion of the removed group compared to the retained group were Caucasians (57.7% vs. 37.1%, P=0.04), had dental insurance (47.4% vs. 28.6%, P=0.06), and reported having trouble with opening their mouths (38.4% vs. 17.1%, P=0.03) and having trouble maintaining a regular social life (25.7% vs. 8.6%, P=0.05). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed the odds of electing 3M removal within six months of enrollment were greater for those who were Caucasian (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.67) and had trouble opening their mouths (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.05-4.49).
Conclusion: Having problems with oral function and lifestyle significantly affected subjects’ decision for 3M removal, an under-reported predictor for surgery.