# Patient Satisfaction and Long‐Term Outcomes: A 7‐ to 9‐Year Prospective Cohort Study of Root Canal Treatment in the Swedish Public Dental Service

## TL;DR

A study in Sweden found that most patients remained satisfied with root canal treatment even seven to nine years later, despite some teeth being extracted.

## Contribution

The study provides long-term patient-reported outcomes on root canal treatment in a public dental service setting.

## Key findings

- Most patients reported high satisfaction with root canal treatment seven to nine years post-treatment.
- Over time, current pain intensity decreased and retrospective satisfaction improved.
- One-third of treated teeth were extracted, but most patients would still choose root canal treatment again.

## Abstract

This prospective follow‐up study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with root canal treatment (RCT) 7–9 years after initiation in a general dental practice setting.

A study population of 243 patients initiated RCT at 20 public dental clinics in the Västra Götaland Region, Sweden. One to 3 years later, 159 patients (67.4%) responded to an 8‐item questionnaire assessing patient satisfaction with RCT and treatment results. The questionnaire was sent out again 7–9 years after treatment initiation. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to compare respondents and non‐respondents, tooth groups and comparison over time.

A total of 156 patients (72.2%) responded to the 7–9 years' questionnaire; 82 women (52.6%) and 74 men (47.4%) with a mean age of 59.3 years (SD = ±15.3). Non‐respondents were significantly younger (p < 0.001). The majority of RCTs were reported as completed with a root filling (n = 102, 65.4%), although significantly fewer molars were completed (n = 43, 56.6%; p < 0.001). Sixty‐six patients (63.5%) reported no current pain, while most of those reporting pain described it as mild (n = 30, 90.9%). More than half of the root filled incisors were associated with current pain (n = 15, 57.7%; p < 0.009). A total of 111 patients (76.0%) recalled the procedure as painful. Chewing ability received the highest satisfaction rating (mean = 1.3). The majority of patients reported they would choose RCT again (n = 114, 77.0%). Among the 17 who answered ‘No’, 13 had undergone extraction, and 3 reported persistent pain following RCT. Over time, the number of extracted teeth increased (p < 0.001), while current pain intensity decreased and retrospective satisfaction with RCT improved (p < 0.001).

Seven to nine years after the initiation of RCT in this general dental practice setting, patient satisfaction remains high despite one‐third of treated teeth being reported as extracted. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating patient‐reported outcomes in the evaluation of dental procedures, including endodontic treatments.