Quality of life following simple tooth extraction (Non — Surgical): A prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate quality of life among adult patients after non surgical extraction of teeth under local anaesthesia. The present study was conducted among 80 patients who were above 18 years and wanted extraction of one or two teeth. Following extraction, 80 patients were given a questionnaire (in English, Hindi, and Punjabi) with questions about post-operative quality of life. Patients were contacted by phone to inquire about their status on days 2, 4, and 7. Out of 80 patients, 95%, of the patients continue to do their social activities on day 2after extraction. 34 patients felt pain and swelling, 10 patients felt change in their physical appearance. 12 patients did not go to work, but out of these 10 females were housewives and were not working already. 14patients said that extraction affected their work performance. Only 6 subjects took the help of somebody to do their work, 19 patients felt difficulty in swallowing, 2 patients reported taste perception changes, 26 patients felt changes in mouth opening, five patients had interrupted meals ,10% of the patients reported changes in ability to speak and 6 patients had problem falling asleep on day 2. 100% of the patients had no issues on day 7. It is concluded that the patient's quality of life is affected by simple extraction, particularly on the first and second post-extraction days. The most affected domains were "Pain and swelling felt" and "Change in mouth opening". After a simple extraction, the patient's quality of life was negatively affected for the first two days before improving throughout the duration of the follow-up period. Therefore, the patient should be informed about how a simple extraction can affect their quality of life immediately following surgery and how it might cause them to change their regular routine.