Introduction: In this study, we evaluated the pain and discomfort experienced by orthodontic patients by comparing how they rated pain associated with had microimplant placement, tooth extraction, and gingival tissue removal in preparation for implant placement.
Methods: Fifty-six microimplants were placed in 28 consecutive orthodontic patients for anchorage reinforcement in the maxilla for en-masse retraction. For all patients, extractions of maxillary, or maxillary and mandibular, premolars had been planned. The recruited patients were randomized into 2 groups according to the timing of the extractions. In group A, at least 1 extraction was performed during the evaluation period; the extractions in group B were after the evaluations. Furthermore, all patients had 2 different surgical procedures for placement. On 1 side, the gingival tissue was removed before placement. On the contralateral side, the implant was placed transgingivally. Each patient's perception of pain and discomfort was evaluated by a questionnaire before, immediately after, and 1 week after the intervention.
Results: The discomfort experienced during the extractions was described as very painful by 50% of the patients. It was significantly greater than during tissue removal and microimplant placement (P <0.05). Microimplant placement produced no pain in 30% of the patients and was described as the least painful procedure (P <0.05). Transgingival microimplant placement was significantly preferred by all patients (P <0.05).
Conclusions: Microimplant surgery seems to be a well-accepted treatment option in orthodontic patients, with significantly lower pain levels than for tooth extractions. Furthermore, transgingival placement is clearly favored by patients who do not need tissue removed before placement.
2010 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.