ASSESSMENT OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN MINOR ORAL SURGERIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Authors

  • Sareer Ahmad Khan Khan City Dental and Orthodontic Care Center, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author
  • Hiba Malik Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan. Author
  • Shaista Hamid Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan. Author
  • Tahira Jamil Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author
  • Hamna Hamid Islamabad Dental Hospital (IDH), Islamabad, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1462-9394
  • Maleeha Shinwari Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/daafdc23

Keywords:

Analgesics, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dental Procedures, Minor Oral Surgery, Pain Management, Patient Adherence, Patient Satisfaction, Postoperative Pain, Surveys and Questionnaires

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain, even after minor oral surgical procedures, can significantly affect patient recovery, satisfaction, and adherence to care. While pain control strategies are well established for major surgeries, real-world practices and patient-reported outcomes in minor oral surgeries remain underexplored, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan.

Objective: To analyze current pain control strategies employed by dental professionals following minor oral surgeries and assess associated patient-reported pain intensity, satisfaction, and adherence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months at three tertiary care dental hospitals in Pakistan. A total of 400 adult patients who underwent minor oral surgical procedures were included. Data on prescribed analgesics were collected from dental professionals, while patient-reported outcomes were obtained using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, a Likert scale for satisfaction, and adherence tracking. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA and chi-square tests, were applied using SPSS version 26.

Results: Paracetamol (40%) and NSAIDs (37.5%) were the most commonly prescribed analgesics, with 17.5% receiving opioid-NSAID combinations. Mean VAS scores varied by analgesic type, being lowest in the opioid-NSAID group (2.9 ± 1.4) and highest in patients who received no analgesics (6.1 ± 2.0). Patient satisfaction was high overall, with 72.5% reporting satisfaction or high satisfaction. Full adherence to prescribed regimens was noted in 70% of cases, correlating with higher satisfaction and lower pain scores.

Conclusion: The study underscores the need for standardized, patient-centered pain management protocols in minor oral surgeries, promoting both clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

Author Biographies

  • Sareer Ahmad Khan Khan, City Dental and Orthodontic Care Center, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    General Dentist, City Dental and Orthodontic Care Center, Peshawar, Pakistan.

  • Hiba Malik, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan.

    BS Dental Student, College of Medical Technology, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan.

  • Shaista Hamid, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan.

    Associate Professor, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan.

  • Tahira Jamil, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

  • Hamna Hamid, Islamabad Dental Hospital (IDH), Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Ex-House Officer, Islamabad Dental Hospital (IDH), Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Maleeha Shinwari, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Ex-House Officer, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-05-25