Assessment of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Surgically Treated Oral Cancer Patients after Prosthetic Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Surgical removal of oral cancer results in tissue abnormalities, deformities, and reduced mobility; these problems can lead to esthetic disturbance, dysphagia, dysarthria, and masticatory dysfunction affecting oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Aim: Research was conducted to evaluate OHRQoL in surgically treated oral cancer patients after prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods and Materials: A total of 120 patients who underwent surgical resection for oral cancer were assessed in this research. Two dentists who were skilled maxillofacial prosthetists handled the maxillofacial prosthesis therapy. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), which consists of seven subscales, was incorporated to evaluate OHRQoL. Results: The overall OHIP score after prosthodontic and endodontic treatment was significantly lower as compared to pre-treatment OHIP score indicating improvement in overall OHRQoL in surgically treated oral cancer patients. Conclusion: There is a significant improvement in OHRQoL in surgically managed patients of oral cancer after prosthetic rehabilitation.

Keywords

• ohrqol
• oral cancer
• prosthetic rehabilitation
• surgery