A Comparison of Endodontic Treatment Factors, Operator Difficulties, and Perceived Oral Health–related Quality of Life between Elderly and Young Patients

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare endodontic treatment factors, treatment difficulties, and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQOL) between elderly and young patients.

Methods A total of 150 adults, 75 elderly (≥65 years) and 75 young patients (18–64 years), were recruited. Operators enumerated difficulties associated with communication, diagnosis, rubber dam application, access cavity preparation, canal localization, working length determination, instrumentation, and obturation after root canal treatment. The number of treatment visits, maxillary first molars with a second mesiobuccal canal, and the technical quality of the root filling were registered. Patients filled out questionnaires on pain, attendance of regular dental visits, esthetics, and masticatory function and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14.

Results Significantly more elderly had necrotic pulp (P < .001) and needed root canal treatment on teeth with full-coverage crown/bridge abutment (P < .001). It was significantly difficult to perform access cavity preparation and localize root canals on the elderly and on teeth with a full-coverage crown/bridge abutment. In regression analysis, the elderly presented with difficulties only during canal localization (P < .05). Second mesiobuccal canals were obturated in 43.5% of the young patients and 23.1% of the elderly patients. There were no significant differences in the number of treatment visits or the technical quality of root filling between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in pain sensation, esthetics, masticatory function, or regular dental visits between the 2 groups. Elderly patients reported a significantly better OHRQOL (P < .05). Patients experiencing pain, patients needing treatment on anteriors/premolars, and females reported a significantly poorer OHRQOL (P < .05).

Conclusions The elderly presented with treatment difficulty during canal localization and had better OHRQOL compared with young patients.