Third molar treatment outcome : a comparison of patients' preferences in Sweden and Wales

• Aim: To elucidate and compare patients’ outcome preferences with regard to removal and retention of mandibular third molars in Sweden and Wales. Subjects and Method: The subjects comprised patients referred for and scheduled for removal of one or both mandibular third molars in both Sweden and Wales. To study patients’ preferences for outcomes of removal and retention of the mandibular third molar, the Multi-attribute utility (MAU) methodology was applied to these patients. Results: Relative weighting of domains was similar in the two countries. “Home and social life” received the highest relative weighting in Sweden and “General health and well-being” in Wales. “Your appearance” received the lowest relative weighting in Sweden and Wales. In both Sweden and Wales operative jaw fracture was considered to be the outcome with most impact and dentigerous cyst and imbricated incisors the least impact. Outcome ranking was similar in the two countries and operative outcomes were considered by patients to be more detrimental to health than retention outcomes. Conclusions: This European comparison showed that patients’ preferences in Sweden and Wales were similar and that the outcomes of surgery were considered worse after third molar removal than retention. Patient-orientated treatment decisions are less subject to variation than clinician-orientated decisions.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)