Post-operative pain and use of analgesic agents in children following intrasulcular anaesthesia and various operative procedures

Aim To characterise post-operative pain (PDP) and use of analgesic agents in children. Methods The study consisted of 472 children, who received routine dental treatment. Teeth were anaesthetised by a computerised delivery system, either intrasulculary (CDS-IS) or by local infiltration (CDS-IF). 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%. 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. The highest incidence was found after root canal treatment (62.5%) and preformed crowns (60.8%). A higher incidence of PDP was found in teeth with history of pain or abscess as compared to teeth with restoration or caries ( p < 0.01). Incidence of pain was not associated with restoration material, extension, depth or type ( occlusal vs proximal) of restoration, multiple restoration, gender, mode of CDS anaesthesia, or effectiveness of anaesthesia during dental treatment. Analgesic drugs were given mainly after preformed crowns, root canal filling and extractions. Conclusions PDP and analgesic use in children is common, especially after root canal filling, preformed crowns and extractions. CDS-IS is not associated with increased PDP.