Pattern of Pain and Swelling after Periapical and Wisdom Tooth Surgery: Are age and Gender Predictive Factors?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the intensity of post-surgical pain and swelling experienced by patients who had undergone lower third molar and periapical surgery {(L3MS),(PAS)}, and also to investigate the impact of age and gender on the same parameters. . Methods: The study involved 86 patients; some of whom underwent L3MS (n=46), while the others had PAS (n=40), all procedures were performed under local anesthesia. The visual analogue scale measured pain and swelling for seven consecutive days, after surgery. Results: After L3MS, it was found that patients experienced the most intense pain the day of surgery, with facial swelling reaching a maximum on the 2nd day. In addition, the influence of age and gender on the intensity of pain and degree of swelling was found to be insignificant... Patients who underwent PAS; also reported maximum pain on the day of surgery while swelling reached maximum on the 2nd day. However, female patients reported significantly more post-operative pain than males (P<0.024). No significant differences between females and males were recorded with respect to post-operative swelling, in addition, age was found to have no effect on both pain and swelling. Conclusion: Pain and swelling after L3MS and PAS peaked on the day of surgery and the day after respectively with mild to moderate intensity, it subsided gradually to minimal levels on day 7. Short-term outcomes of L3MS and PAS with respect to degrees of pain and swelling were found to be similar, and it seems to be independent of both’ age and gender.