Long-term follow-up of patients with orofacial discomfort complaints

To a group of 113 patients who exhibited wide variation in orofacial and general complaints, which they related to the effects of dental material, a new questionnaire was sent 8-10 years after the first examination. Eight patients had died, and 23 individuals could not be contacted. Of the remaining 82 patients, 62 (76%) individuals completed the questionnaire. Almost two-thirds (29%) of the responding patients reported that they were now free from the previous symptoms, or that these symptoms were alleviated (35%). Dryness of the mouth and smarting tongue were the most frequent symptoms at the follow-up. Half of the patients (52%) thought they still needed treatment for their complaints, and several of them had visited many other therapists after the end of the treatment period at the Department. The treatment outcome and symptom development may be regarded as acceptable with regard to the severity and long duration of the original complaints. However, the prognosis was poor in a substantial proportion of the patients, and this group continued to be a high consumer of health-care resources.