The Nature of changes in the Main Quality-of-Life Parameters after Treatment in Teenagers with Dental Caries

The aim of this study has been to evaluate the nature of changes in the quality of life in a population of teenagers with dental caries and their complications after oral caries elimination. The authors have examined and treated 112 teenagers, ages 12 to 17, with dental caries and complications, in the city of Moscow, Russia. A validated Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ) was used to assess their quality of life. The teenagers were surveyed three times: 1) once when first referred to the dental clinic before dental treatment, 2) just after the initial dental treatment, and 3) three months after the end of the dental treatment. Additionally, we have conducted a comparative analysis of the quality-of-life parameters of the teenagers with dental caries compared with a control group of teenagers with healthy teeth. We found no improvement in parameters of the teenagers’ quality of life just after the end of the initial dental treatment. Three months later, however, an improvement was noticed in the quality of life as a whole, as well as in all domains of the CPQ; namely, improvements in the areas of oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, and social well-being. Our research has shown that three months after the end of dental restorative treatment, perception of the quality of life by teenagers with a history of dental caries and complications had improved so much that their perception of quality of life was even more favorable than the control group of teenagers without caries.