Evaluation of the need to prescribe opioid medication to control post-surgical pain of different periodontal/oral surgeries.

Abstract

To determine the level of perceived pain after different types of periodontal/oral surgical procedures, and the differences in patients' selection of pain management, over the counter (OTC) versus opioid, based on procedure type. Patients undergoing surgical procedures were asked to complete a pain questionnaire at four time points: 1) before surgery 2) first dose of analgesic at home, 3) 24hours postoperatively, and 4) 72hours postoperatively. The questionnaire consisted of numerical and descriptive scales to describe the perceived pain. A total of 198 patients completed the questionnaire. All surgical procedures were grouped into five major categories: bone augmentation procedures (11% BAP), teeth extractions (26% EXT), surgical implant placement (25% IP), mucogingival surgeries (21% MGS), and pocket elimination procedures (17%). IP surgery was associated with significantly less pain compared with MGS and EXT (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference for taking any medication based on type of surgical procedure at 24hours (P<0.05). IP is associated with significantly lower perceived pain compared with EXT and MGS surgery. Analgesic consumption was generally parallel to pain perception. A considerable number of patients elected to control the post-surgical pain using OTC medication up to 72hours. Periodontal/oral surgery procedures vary in the amount of perceived postoperative pain. Tailoring postoperative medications to the type of periodontal/oral surgery performed will help prevent overprescribing of opioids.