Patient's Perception of Health-Related Quality of Life Following Coronectomy

Background: The risk for nerve injury following mandibular 3rd molar extractions is 0.41%-8.1% for transient and 0.014%-3.6% for permanent damage. Presence of radiological signs of root proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve may increase the risk is up to 35%. Coronectomy was recommended in the literature to avoid such injury. Objective: Asses patient's perception of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following coronectomy vs. full extraction of mandibular 3rd molars. Material and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 35 patients treated during 2009-2011. The indication for coronectomy vs. full extraction was made according to imaging criteria of root proximity (panoramic and computerized tomography). A HRQOL questionnaire, designed to assess patient's perception of recovery in four main areas: pain, oral function, general activity, and other symptoms, was given to the patients. The questionnaires were compared. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in HRQOL between the two groups in most of the questions. Bad odor/taste and food entrapment complaints improved later in patients undergoing full extraction. For both groups, average pain peaked on first postoperative day (POD) and improved on POD 5; difficulty in mouth opening peaked on POD 1 and improved on POD 4. Conclusions: There were no major differences in patient's HRQOL between those undergoing full extraction vs. coronectomy.