BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Third molar extraction is an invasive and potentially adverse procedure and may induce pain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of face to face information on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing third molar extraction. METHOD: This was a longitudinal study with 123 patients randomly distributed in two groups: Control (CG) and Experimental (EG). McGill Pain Questionnaire- short form (Sensory Pain Rank Index, Affective Pain Rank Index, Present Pain Intensity and Patient Global Assessment of Pain Experience) was used in the following moments: preoperative period, immediate postoperative period, mediate postoperative period I, mediate postoperative period II and suture removal. Face-to-face information was given to EG patients immediately after the preoperative moment. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, mixed models were used for repeated measures (SAS program's Proc Mixed), in addition to Tukey test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The results suggest a statistically difference between groups in Sensory Pain Rank Index in the immediate postoperative period, showing that immediate postoperative pain report was lower in the group receiving face-to-face information. CONCLUSION: Face-to-face information has decreased postoperative pain. These strategies are critical to establish effective coping responses and to improve postoperative adherence.
Oral surgery; Pain; Third molar
