The effect of impacted incisors on the child patient and their parent
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The social and psychological effect of impacted incisors on child patients and their parents
IRAS ID
225297
Contact name
Rachel Stephens
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Up to 2.6% of the population have an impacted front tooth (tooth stuck in the gum that doesn't come into the mouth leaving a space). There is little evidence regarding how having an impacted front tooth affects a child both socially and psychologically. Other research shows that a persons quality of life can be affected by their oral health and that orthodontic (braces) treatment can be shown to improve a persons self-esteem (Choi et al., 2014, Taylor et al., 2009, Palomoares et al., 2012). There has also been a link established between dental abnormalities and bullying of children ( Al Omari et al., 2014, Seehra et al., 2011). Therefore, as dentists it is important we offer support to our patients in all eventualities to improve their quality of life where we can. As there is no specific evidence on the psychological and social effects of having an impacted incisor it indicates there is a need for research in this area to improve patient care and support.
This is a mixed method qualitative study investigating ways in which child patients and their parents feel affected by the child's impacted front tooth. We will investigate whether the child feels there are any effects of their social lives, school performance and confidence levels with this problem. We shall also explore the parents views on how this impacted front tooth has affected their child. This will be done by conducting one to one interviews with the parent and child identifying key themes or areas of concern(part 1 of study). These themes can then be used to develop a questionnaire (part 2 of study) which can be given to a much larger number of patients to gather more information. With this broader information we can improve the information given to patients and parents about impacted front teeth.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
17/WA/0362
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion