Quality of life and satisfaction outcomes of endodontic treatment

The purpose of this study was to assess quality of life and satisfaction in relation to endodontic treatment in two Canadian populations and the association of these outcomes with the treatment providers' level of training (generalist or endodontist). New patients aged 25 to 40, presenting at the dental faculties in Toronto and Saskatoon were screened. Patients with radiographically identifiable endodontic treatment were invited for interviews conducted using a questionnaire that measured changes in quality of life after endodontic treatment and semantic differential scales that measured satisfaction with endodontic treatment. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, multiple and logistic regression (p < 0.05), and Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.02). Subjects reported preoperative factors (e.g., pain, sleep disturbances) impacting quality of life, which improved after endodontic treatment, significantly more in the Toronto than in the Saskatoon population. Satisfaction was significantly better when endodontic treatment was provided by endodontists.