AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Subjects and Methods: Healthy subjects (N=113) with mild pericoronitis signs/symptoms were enrolled in an IRB-approved study. Demographic and quality of life (QoL) data were collected at enrollment. Subjects voluntarily scheduled for third molar removal (3MR). The outcome variable was subjects' decision for 3MR within six months of enrollment. Possible predictor variables were demographic and QoL data. To explore associations between the predictor and outcome variables, bivariate analyses (Chi-square and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel) and a multivariate logistic regression were performed. Results: At six months post-enrollment, 79 subjects elected 3MR (removed) and 34 subjects retained their third molars (retained). A greater proportion of the removed compared to the retained group reported at least a little trouble with opening their mouths, 38% vs. 18%, respectively (P=0.04), and taking part in social interactions, 27% vs. 6%, respectively (P=0.01). Conclusion: In pericoronitis subjects, problems with oral function and lifestyle were associated with subjects' decision for early 3MR.