Evaluation of quality of life following dental extraction

Abstract

Among several treatment modalities done in dental clinics, dental extractions are the most frequently carried out treatment. Tooth extraction is indicated in cases such as chronic periodontal disease, abscess, root caries, root stumps, fractured teeth, and failed root canal treatments with the persistence of periapical cysts or granulomas, impacted teeth, or to facilitate orthodontic or prosthodontic rehabilitation. The consequence of routine tooth extraction could lead to dentoalveolar diseases, which cause tooth loss. The various complications of surgical procedures are delayed wound healing, postoperative bleeding, remnant bony spicules, and nerve paresthesia. This study aimed to assess the impact of nonsurgical tooth extraction on the quality of life of patients. Institutional patient data from January 2021 to April 2021 were analyzed, in which 2000 patients who had undergone extractions at our dental institution were included in our study. The data evaluating the patients' quality-of-life postextraction were recorded. It included speech variation, social interaction, postoperative pain, sleep impairment, and inability to work. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS, and results were obtained. Most men (49%) experienced an inability to work compared to women (25%). 38% of females had moderate-to-severe pain, whereas males (21%) had only mild pain. 21% of males are isolated socially due to feeling sick, whereas 20% of females are isolated socially due to pain. Speech was affected more postextraction. Most of the patients could not go to work for 1-3 days following the removal of the tooth. Most of the patients were pleased with the procedure, with their symptoms disappearing after the procedure, and were not worried about dental extractions.

Keywords: Extraction; healing; innovative technique; oral surgery; surgical wound; tooth.

Figure 1

The bar graph shows the distribution of various genders in the sample population

Figure 2

The bar graph shows the reasons for extraction among the sample of the population

Figure 3

The bar graph denotes the instruments used for the extraction of the sample population

Figure 4

The bar graph denotes the tooth indicated for extraction of the sample population

Figure 5

The bar chart depicts the speech variation postextraction based on gender. Chi-square test (P > 0.15), statistically not significant

Figure 6

The bar chart describes the degree of postoperative pain based on gender. Chi-square test (P = 0.03), statistically significant. Most of the men experienced mild pain, whereas women experienced moderate-to-severe pain

Figure 7

The bar chart describes the reasons for social isolation postextraction based on gender. Chi-square test (P = 0.04), statistically significant. Men were socially isolated due to feeling sick, whereas for women, the pain was the main reason

Figure 8

The bar graph shows sleep impairment postextraction based on gender. The Chi-square test (P = 0.10) was not statistically significant

Figure 9

The bar chart describes the inability to work postextraction based on gender. The Chi-square test (P = 0.02) was statistically significant. Most of the men experienced an inability to work compared to women