Palatal miniscrew post-insertion pain: An observational prospective study on consecutively treated patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, via a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire, patient postoperative pain when receiving two miniscrews during the third palatal rugae site orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

The same orthodontist placed two miniscrews 3-5 mm from the median suture immediately posterior to the third palatal rugae. Before miniscrew insertion, patients were asked to complete questions 1 to 6 of The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, which had two questions related to the Expected and/or Pain Felt. Patients were also instructed to complete a questionnaire at several time points to report whether they were experiencing pain and at what level. Timepoints were 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 hours after miniscrew insertion.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients (64 F, 38 M; mean age 14.20 ± 4.59 years) were analyzed for a total of 204 screws. All VAS scores significantly improved compared to the baseline and previous measurements, with improvements in reported pain ceasing at 60 h post-miniscrew insertion. Further, the median reported pain was equal to zero at 36 h post-insertion. A positive correlation was found between the Total score of the Anxiety scale and the Expected pain (r = 0.437, P < 0.001) and between the Total score of the Anxiety scale and the felt pain (r = 0.764, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study showed a positive correlation between the Total score of the Anxiety scale and the Expected pain. The postoperative discomfort was efficiently managed using Paracetamol.