Periapical endodontic surgery reduces pain and oral health-related quality of life in initial postoperative days

Within the first 7 days of the periapical surgery, a low incidence of pain and decreased oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) for shorter duration was observed, a study in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery described. This decrease in OHRQoL and pain was of greatest intensity in the early postsurgical phase which quickly declined over time.

Jacco G Tuk and researchers assessed 133 patients (54 males and 79 females; aged 50.8 years on an average) undergoing periapical surgery to study its effect on OHRQoL within the first week of the operation. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 score (OHIP-14) and pain intensity via numeric rating scale (NRS), use of analgesics, inflammation, chewing complications, restricted/difficulty opening the mouth, and infection after the surgery, were considered as the primary outcomes.

A significant effect on OHIP-14 score, pain, and use of analgesics was found which lessened through the course of the week. Young adults had higher levels of OHIP-14 score in the first 2 days of surgery and described as having more pain on the first day of surgery.

During the first 3 days, females described as having more pain. As compared to patients who didnt smoke, a greater OHIP-14 score on the first day and more pain during the first 3 days of the surgery was observed in the smokers.