Study Reveals Positive Impact of Restorative Tooth Wear Treatment on Oral Health and Aesthetics

HOLLAND: A recent study titled “Perception of oral health related quality of life and orofacial aesthetics following restorative treatment of tooth wear: A five-year follow-up” has shed light on the long-term effects of restorative treatment for patients with tooth wear issues. Conducted by a team of Dutch researchers, the study explored the transformation in patients’ Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and their perception of orofacial aesthetics following restorative dental care over a five-year period.

Multifactorial Tooth Wear Concerns

Tooth wear is often attributed to various factors and can result in both functional and aesthetic complications. Dissatisfaction with one’s dental appearance and a negative impact on OHRQoL are among the most common grievances associated with tooth wear. Recognising the multifaceted nature of this issue, the study aimed to comprehensively examine the changes in patients’ OHRQoL and aesthetic perception following restorative treatments, particularly in cases of moderate to severe tooth wear.

Methodology and Analysis

The research employed an exploratory approach based on prospective data collection. It focused on assessing OHRQoL and aesthetics through the utilisation of two questionnaires: OHIP-NL and OES-NL. These questionnaires were administered before treatment initiation, one month after treatment, and at 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals post-treatment. The restorative approach involved full mouth reconstruction utilising composite resin restorations. The study’s findings were meticulously analysed using a linear mixed-effects model.

Encouraging Outcomes

The study featured 123 patients with tooth wear conditions who had undergone restorative rehabilitation, consisting of 97 males and 26 females, with an average age of 37.5 years. The results revealed a notable and statistically significant enhancement in both OHRQoL and orofacial appearance following the restorative treatment. Over the post-treatment years, OHIP-scores demonstrated stability, while OES-scores experienced a slight reduction.

Specific Areas of Improvement

Within the seven domains of the OHIP questionnaire, the most significant difference in OHIP-scores was identified in the domain of ‘Psychological Discomfort.’ At the beginning of the study, the mean overall OHIP-score was 1.8, which reduced to 1.3 at the 5-year recall. In terms of OES scores, there was a substantial increase from 41.8 at baseline to 66.1 at the 5-year follow-up.

The study’s outcomes underline the substantial and enduring positive impact of restorative treatment on patients’ OHRQoL and their perception of orofacial aesthetics. This extended benefit has been documented over at least five years post-treatment. The research underscores the significance of incorporating patient-related outcome measures in dental care planning, emphasising the need to consider both functional and aesthetic improvements when addressing tooth wear concerns.

Read the Full Study: Perception of oral health related quality of life and orofacial aesthetics following restorative treatment of tooth wear: A five-year follow-up