What is the incidence of pain and analgesic use following restorative and surgical procedures in children and adolescents?
This summary is based on the article published in Pediatric Dentistry: Discomfort Following Dental Procedures for Children (January/February 2013)
Nicole M. Staman, DDS • Janice A. Townsend, DDS, MS • Joseph L. Hagan, ScD
Context
- Pain has been undertreated across all age groups due to misunderstandings about analgesic use, concerns over addiction, and the mistaken belief that children do not perceive pain.3
- Although numerous studies evaluating dental pain in adults appear in the dental literature, there are relatively few studies in children.
- Practitioners may not consider pain relief necessary for pediatric patients, as the procedures are routine and not perceived to be painful.
Purpose of the Study
- To evaluate discomfort and the use of analgesic agents after specific routine pediatric dental procedures, including sealants, preventive resin restorations (PRRs), 1- and 2-surface restorations, pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns, and extractions
- To improve prediction and management of pain in children.
Key Findings
- Post-operative discomfort and analgesic use may occur after dental procedures in children.
- Post-operative discomfort in children occurs most commonly after the placement of stainless steel crowns.
- Children do not report post-operative discomfort for primary tooth extractions significantly more often vs the other dental procedures examined, although this may be due to pre-emptive analgesia administered by parents.
References
List of references included in the study (PDF)