Post-operative pain in children following dental treatment

Objective: To characterize post-operative dental pain (PDP) and use of analgesic agents in children. Methods: The study consisted of 472 children (age range 2-15 years), who received routine dental treatment. Teeth were anesthetized by a computerized delivery system (CDS), either intrasulculary or by local infiltration . Information regarding post-operative pain and use of analgesic agents was obtained by a telephone call within 24 hours after treatment. Results: The overall incidence of PDP was 38%. As a result, 60.9% of the children who experienced PDP were given an analgesic agent. Incidence and severity of pain were significantly associated with type of dental procedure, being highest after root canal treatment (62.5%) and preformed crowns (60.8%). Teeth with former history of pain or abscess showed higer incidence of PDP as compared to theeth treated for restoration or caries (p<0.009). Incidence of pain was not associated with restorative material, extension, depth or type (occlusal vs. proximal) of restoration, gender, mode of CDS anesthesia (intasulcular or local infiltration), or the effectiveness of anesthesia during the actual treatment. Analgesic drugs were given mainly after preformed crowns, root canal filling and extractions. Conclusions: PDP and analgesic use in children is common after dental treatment, especially after root canal filling, preformed crowns and extractions. Intrasulcular injection did not increase the PDP as compared to local infiltration .

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