Patients' perceptions of recovery after routine extraction of healthy premolars.
BACKGROUND
In this prospective study, we evaluated patients' perceptions of recovery after orthodontic premolar extractions.


METHODS
Thirty patients (18 girls, 12 boys, mean age 14.6 +/- 3.8 years) were given a health-related quality of life questionnaire to be completed each postoperative day (POD) for 7 days. The questionnaire was designed to assess each patient's perception of recovery: pain, oral function, general activity measures, and other variables. The impact of possible predictor variables, such as age, sex, length of surgical procedure, number of simultaneous extractions, and time during the day, was assessed.


RESULTS
Severe pain (16.7%, 3.3%) and consumption of analgesics (70%, 13.2%) declined dramatically from POD 1 to POD 2. Improvements in oral function and other symptoms were evident by POD 2. Absence from school resembled interference in daily activities (POD 2). Age was the most significant predictor variable, with results showing delayed recoveries for patients older than 15 years. The most striking differences were reported for enjoying food (P <.05), taste (P <.05), and food stagnation (P <.05). The number of extractions performed at the same appointment had no affect on posttreatment recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was designed to provide baseline health-related quality of life information with which to compare other surgical procedures frequently needed in orthodontic treatment, such as removal of third molars and exposure of impacted teeth. Additionally, it provides information for patients and clinicians on postoperative recovery after premolar orthodontic extractions.
Chaushu
Gavriel
G
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. gavrielc@tasmc.health.gov.il
Becker
Adrian
A
Zeltser
Rafael
R
Vasker
Naomi
N
Branski
Sari
S
Chaushu
Stella
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000523:psychology*