Incidence and severity of postoperative pain following routine placement of amalgam restorations

Objective: This study investigated the incidence and severity of postoperative sensitivity, examining several potential sources of pain. Method and materials: One hundred eighteen subjects were asked about pain that they experienced following an appointment for restoration of a moderate Class I or II carious lesion. The survey required subjects to complete 3 questionnaires, 1, 4, and 7 days posttreatment. Questions covered 9 different potential sources of postoperative pain and the use of pain medication following the dental appointment. Results: A great majority of subjects experienced postoperative pain from at least 1 source, and approximately half of those who reported pain following the appointment found it necessary to take medication for relief. For almost all categories, the level of pain reported at 4 and 7 days was substantially less than that reported after 24 hours. Conclusion: Patients commonly experience pain in the first 24 hours after operative treatment. Dentists should consider recommending that patients who are likely to experience postoperative pain take a nonprescription analgesic around the time of the treatment and for 24 hours afterward to prevent discomfort.