The Influence of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar in Health-related Quality of Life

Quality of Life [QoL] is defined as “a person's view of their status in life, shaped by the cultural and value systems surrounding them, along with their goals, expectations, standards, and worries.” The literature lacks information supporting the effect of impacted third molars on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life [OHRQoL]. Impacted third molars could affect the function of mastication, which consequently affects quality of life.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of impacted third molars on oral health quality using the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-5] questionnaire.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the effect of impacted third molars on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life [OHRQoL]. The participants were interviewed using an Arabic version of the Oral Health Impact Profile with five items [OHIP-5].

In 148 participants aged 19 to 70 years, the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP] score indicates that participants with impacted teeth had higher scores than the control group [no impaction], with a statistically significant p-value of less than 0.05. This confirms the effect of third molar impaction on quality of life.

Impacted third molars significantly affect OHRQoL due to pain, infections, functional and aesthetic issues, psychological stress, economic pressures, and accessibility to care. Examining these factors is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their negative effects. Proper management can enhance the well-being and quality of life of those impacted.