Endodontic factors associated with satisfaction of patients after root canal treatment
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, College of Dental Surgery, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
Abstract
Objective: Understanding
patients' perspectives is essential for treatment planning and
assessing healthcare efficacy. This study explored the influential
factors in root canal treatment (RCT) on patient satisfaction.
Methods: This prospective
study involved 390 eligible patients who underwent RCT at the
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, B. P. Koirala
Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. We collected data by
assessing endodontic factors before treatment and using a post-treatment
semantic differential scale questionnaire. Patients’ satisfaction was
measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 (least satisfaction)
to 10 (highest satisfaction possible). Mann-Whitney U-test and
Kruskal-Wallis test were employed for data analysis, and P-value<0.05
was considered statistically significant.
Results: Patients
expressed high levels of satisfaction post-endodontic treatment (VAS
8.08). Patients were particularly satisfied with improved chewing
ability (VAS 7.77), overall comfort (VAS 7.76), and aesthetics (VAS
7.63) after treatment. However, concerns were raised about treatment
cost (VAS 5.97) and duration (VAS 5.86). Several
factors were significantly associated with higher patient satisfaction
levels including a diagnosis of pulpitis, younger age, lower DMFT
(Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) score, fewer teeth requiring treatment,
absence of flare-ups, teeth not used as an abutment for prosthesis,
primary endodontic therapy, treatment of either molar or non-molar teeth
(as opposed to both conditions), smaller periapical lesion size, and
single-visit treatment
Conclusions: Our findings
reveal high overall general satisfaction, with chewing ability
generating the highest contentment. Cost and treatment duration were
areas of concern. Demographics, clinical variables, and treatment
settings played roles in shaping perceptions. These findings offer
insights for enhancing endodontic care and patient satisfaction
outcomes.
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