Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Oral Health-related Quality of Life in European Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The current systematic review examines the complex picture of endodontic treatment, including quality of life, patient satisfaction, and caries prevalence, through 24 research studies conducted in various European countries. Methodology: A thorough and methodical search of the literature was carried out using five major electronic databases' predefined keywords and phrases. In strict compliance with PRISMA guidelines, this study included a variety of designs, mainly randomized and prospective studies. This review examines the challenges of endodontic treatment, examines in detail the characteristics and indications for root canal fillings, and highlights the importance of assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). Results: In particular, patients who undergo root canal treatment experience a statistically significant improvement in their quality of life compared to patients who choose to have their teeth extracted. Looking at prevalence rates globally reveals interesting regional differences. In particular, European and American populations perform better. These differences are due to factors such as patient compliance, better tools, and trained healthcare providers, which lead to improved HR quality of life. Conclusion:  In conclusion, this systematic review highlights the need for further research to not only reveal the differences in endodontic treatment but also to match patient expectations, thereby promoting continued improvement in treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. The study found that European patients experienced significant improvements in quality of life after root canal treatment. Pain and discomfort decrease, 75% of patients experience less pain and discomfort after treatment. Additionally, the majority of patients report improvements in their lives after treatment. These findings suggest that root canal treatment is an effective way to improve the quality of life of European patients. This study highlights the importance of addressing patients' concerns and fears regarding dental procedures and improving communication and doctor-patient relationships to improve root canal treatment. Overall, this study provides a good insight into the impact of root canal treatment on the quality of life of European patients and has important implications for the development of care strategies for patients in this population.