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

Aim: 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.

Method: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusions: 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.