Pain and inflammation in 41 patients following the placement of 131 dental implants.

AIMS

To study pain and swelling in the first week after dental implant placement.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 131 implants were placed in 41 patients (17 males and 24 females) under local anesthesia. Pain was scored by means of a verbal and visual analog scale (VAS), while swelling was evaluated by a verbal scale.

RESULTS

Most patients who experienced pain reported the latter to be slight, with a peak intensity 6 hours after the operation in 41.5% of cases. A significant relation was observed between pain and the number of implants placed. Swelling was moderate in most patients who reported pain -- peak intensity of inflammation being recorded after 48 hours in 48.8% of cases. A significant association was observed between swelling and older patients, the placement of more than four dental implants, and operations in which sinus lift or bone regeneration procedures were carried out. Swelling was greater in patients with implants positioned in the posterior sector versus those placed in the anterior zone, and in those located at free extreme or totally edentulous patients, versus those placed in interdental spaces.

CONCLUSIONS

Following implant placement, pain tends to be mild, with moderate inflammation. The latter is seen to be greater in older patients, in subjects receiving a larger number of implants, and in interventions involving regenerative techniques.