Evaluation of Orthodontic Patients’ Pain Experience, Perception and Management of Pain from Orthodontics Centres in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Pain has been reported as a common unpleasant experience or complication following orthodontic treatment. Despite this, the routine management of the pain remains controversial and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the orthodontic patients' pain experience following orthodontic appliance installation, orthodontic pain assessment, the pain management protocol received, and the perceived possible effect of orthodontic pain on daily activities. Methodology: This was a 12-month cross-sectional study involving orthodontic patients. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection via Google Forms. Three different sections evaluated participants' sociodemographic variables, the patient's pain experience and management of that pain, orthodontic pain perception, possible effects of orthodontic pain and the need for development of a standardized pain management protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26, IBM Corp, with significance set at P-value < 0.05. Results: A total of 347 orthodontic patients were recruited into the study. Approximately 90% of orthodontic patients experienced pain following orthodontic appliance installation (5.59 ± 2.78), with pain medication prescribed after the onset of pain (25.9%). Pain was mostly described as distressing (47.6%) and lasting for 1 to 6 days (75.8%). There was no significant age or gender variation in pain experience. Paracetamol was the most prescribed pain control option (69%). Difficulty with feeding and brushing was the most affected daily activity. Respondents agreed on the need for a standardised pain control protocol (72.9%). Conclusion: Orthodontic pain is an established complication following orthodontic treatment, with variation in treatment duration and intensity. It can adversely affect patients' ability to carry out daily activities, consequently affecting treatment outcomes. Efforts should therefore be made to develop a pain management protocol for holistic patient care.