Quality of life analysis in patients diagnosed with stage III periodontitis after periodontal treatment

Abstract

Objective: Concepts of periodontal disease and treatment have recently been modified, emphasizing the patient as a unit suffering from periodontal disease (PD). We set out to investigate how periodontal treatment impacts patients' quality of life who underwent non-surgical periodontal treatment, to rethink treatment guidelines about physical-psychosocial well-being. Methods: From March 2019 to March 2020, 52 patients were selected for a descriptive and cross-sectional study, who consecutively attended Cátedra B of Periodoncia of the Facultad de Odontologia de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba diagnosed with PD in Stage III. At the 3-month maintenance visit, they were invited to answer the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire. The Infostat P/2008 program was used for data analysis with a p<0.05. Results 6% of the patients perceived problems pronouncing words, and 48% informed that they occasionally have problems with biting food. 53% perceived that a tooth did not look good, and 42% felt that their appearance was affected by problems with their teeth. 80% responded with food retention between their teeth. 35% often perceived headaches associated with bite problems and 24% presented sensitivity to cold and heat. 62% have felt tense due to problems with their teeth, and 47% perceived that sleep was interrupted. 6% have avoided going out with friends or a partner. Conclusion/s: The main problem detected is related to psychological discomfort and discourage as well as physical pain in some sectors of their mouth and sensitivity to temperature changes, altering their quality of life. Periodontal therapy should be planned to take into account the patient in their psychological and social aspects.