Page 24 - MDJ 2022 Jan-Jun, Volume 45 Number 1

Malaysian Dental Journal Volume 45 Issue 1/2022
 2022 The Malaysian Dental Association
MALAYSIAN DENTAL JOURNAL

Influence of Restorative Dentistry Index Treatment Need on the Oral Health-
Related Quality of Life Assessment among Patients Receiving Endodontic

Treatment: A cross-sectional study

Ganapathy J* Restorative Unit, Pandamaran Dental Clinic, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, 42000, Pelabuhan Klang,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Ibrahim NZ Restorative Unit, Pandamaran Dental Clinic, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, 42000, Pelabuhan Klang,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Correspondence: Dr Jegadeesbari Ganapathy, [email protected]
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ABSTRACT
Aim: The success of endodontic treatment can be impacted by multiple factors presenting during diagnosis. Restorative Dentistry Index
Treatment Need Endodontic Score (RDITN-Endo) is an assessment of treatment complexity prior to endodontic treatment. In this study,
the influence of RDITN-Endo on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Patients referred to the Restorative Clinic in Pandamaran with a RDITN score and completed endodontic
therapy from June 2017 to June 2019 were called in for evaluation with a short oral health impact profile instrument adapted to a
Malaysian population (S-OHIP(M)). Demographics, medical history, and failure of treatment parameters were also recorded. Statistical
analyses to elucidate the relationship between RDITN and all dependent variables were carried out.

Results: 104 participants with RDITN scores were recruited in the study. The score distribution was as follows - RDITN 1: 12 (11.5 %);
RDITN 2: 37 (35.6 %); and RDITN 3: 55 (52.9 %). All domains of the S-OHIP(M) demonstrated no changes with RDITN score except
the perceived treatment need (p < 0.05). No difference in the failure of treatment was detected with RDITN score. Increment of age is
associated with failure of treatment (OR = 1.12).
Conclusion: Endodontic treatment outcome was good regardless of the severity of endodontic case indicated by a high RDITN score.
Key words: endodontic treatment, oral health-related quality of life, RDITN.

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INTRODUCTION The complexity of endodontic treatment cases is
classified into score 1 (Low), score 2 (Moderate), and
Restorative Dentistry Index Treatment Need score 3 (High). The presence of a modifying factor
(RDITN) is a comprehensive complexity level assessment increases the complexity score by one increment (Figure
of the treatment problem identified in restorative 1). Prior to its introduction, the validity of the complexity
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dentistry. First introduced by the Royal College of assessment had been proven successful in small groups of
Surgeons of England in 2001, the assessment established a clinicians in the UK, thus favouring its incorporation to the
new complexity index to rank cases by severity for National Health Service (NHS) guideline. In Malaysia,
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contracting Special Care Dentistry in the United Kingdom RDITN-Endo has been modified and adapted as a referral
(UK). It covers the three major branches of restorative guide for the use in the Ministry of Health system to
dentistry: endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. stratify endodontic cases. This adaptation helps to ensure
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Specific to endodontics, RDITN-Endo is used to assess the that only complex cases would be dealt with by the limited
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complexity level of root canal treatment cases. Root canal restorative specialists. Therefore, it would benefit patients
treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a with the greatest need (i.e., complicated case, RDITN: 3).
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procedure that enables preservation of damaged teeth that
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relieves pain without invasive or prolonged treatment.
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