ABSTRACT
The authors report on data from a self-assessment questionnaire filled out by 199 patients undergoing periradicular microscopic surgery at two private endodontic offices and at graduate endodontic clinics of the University of Pennsylvania. Regression analysis was performed using pain and swelling as dependent variables and age, sex, type of teeth, location, periapical lesion, and remedication as independent variables. Pain and swelling were significantly related to females and younger patients (p < 0.05). The results supported Etodolac as a pre- and postoperative analgesic and use of antibiotics restricted to high-risk patients. Maximum pain and swelling were reported at night and day 1 of the surgery, respectively. Generally, swelling was more often reported than pain. Surgeries in anterior maxilla were related to more pain and swelling. A majority of the patients (67%) rated surgical endodontics more pleasant than expected and found it less painful (46%) or the same (38%) as nonsurgical treatment. The results also point out that patients in general have negative beliefs and limited knowledge about periradicular surgery.
Subject(s)
Quality of Life , Retrograde Obturation/methods , Retrograde Obturation/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Edema/etiology , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Microsurgery , Middle Aged , Pain, Postoperative/etiology , Periapical Diseases/pathology , Periapical Diseases/surgery , Prospective Studies , Retrograde Obturation/adverse effects , Self-Assessment , Sex Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to compare patient experience of quality of life following surgical endodontic treatment using 2 different techniques: a technique that included the use of a dental operating microscope, root resection with minimal bevel and retrograde preparation with ultrasonic tips, and a traditional technique that included root resection with a 45 degrees bevel and retrograde preparation by bur performed without magnification. STUDY DESIGN: The study consisted of 66 patients referred for surgical endodontic treatment. One operator (I.T.) carried out all treatment. An equal number of patients were assigned to each group. Group 1 was treated by the traditional technique without an operating microscope and Group 2 by a technique using an operating microscope and minimal osteotomy. All patients were given a questionnaire with 15 questions to evaluate their quality of life for 7 days postsurgery. RESULTS: On day 5, patients in Group 1 reported significantly more pain and took significantly more analgesics (P < .05). On days 1 and 2, patients in Group 2 reported significantly more difficulty in mouth opening, mastication, and the ability to speak (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patients in both groups reported a high incidence of symptoms. The technique using the operating microscope provided significantly less postoperative pain, but more difficulties in mouth opening, mastication, and the ability to speak immediately postoperatively.
