Pain after periodontal scaling and root planing Essay Example

15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. The patients were given certain data entry forms to record their pain levels after every three or four hours.

The next day morning, the last pain assessment form was filled up. These pain assessment forms were collected after 10 days and their periodontal status was examined. Whilst evaluating the pain assessment forms, several factors were considered such as site of the operation (upper or lower jaw), new or old patient, duration of the operation, extent of pain before the operation, and the use of painkillers to control pain.

The results of the study demonstrated that 28 % suffered from faint to weak pain, 18 % had weak to mild pain, 28 % had mild to moderate pain, 8 % had moderate to severe pain and 8 % had severe to intense pain. About 90 % of the patients had some form of pain. On an average, the pain increased 3 hours after the procedure and stayed on for about 6 hours. The next day morning, the pain returned to the level before the operation. About 23 % consumed medications in the form of painkillers (analgesic) to relieve the pain.

Women consumed painkillers slightly earlier compared to men. The variation in pain between the sexes may be because of certain sensory factors, rather than emotional or behavioral. Pain lingered for a slightly longer durations in the maxilla (6. 3 hours) compared to the mandible (5. 6 hours). The pain was experienced for slightly longer durations in patients new compared to old patients. It was found that the pain present before the procedure and the duration of the procedure were not related to intensity

of pain recorded after the procedure.

Linear scales were utilized to describe the intensity of the pain. It was found to be more intense between 2 to 6 hours after the procedure. Following an SRP, the dental practitioner may have to administer painkillers to reduce mild to moderate pain. The painkiller should exert its effects within 2 hours and up to eight hours after the procedure, when it is maximal. The study has demonstrated that painkillers are usually not required the following day after the procedure, as the pain usually subsides.