Observational study: discomfort following dental procedures for children

The purpose of this study was to measure the incidence of pain and analgesic use following restorative and surgical procedures and preventive fissure sealants in children and adolescents.

One hundred and thirty 2- to 18-year-olds were selected from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry pediatric dental clinic and appointed for restorative and surgical procedures and preventive fissure sealants. Each child's discomfort was evaluated immediately after the procedure using a Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Parents were contacted by phone within 48 hours following the procedure for a verbal survey to assess discomfort and analgesic use.

Thirty-three percent of the children reported discomfort, and 31% were given over-the-counter analgesics by their parents. Compared to all other subjects, patients who had received a primary stainless steel crown were significantly more likely to report discomfort (P<.001). The extraction of primary teeth did not result in a significant increase in reported pain.

Postoperative discomfort is significantly associated with stainless steel crown treatment of primary teeth.