Publication:

Patterns, triggers and relieving factors of pain in third molar pericoronitis: a cross-sectional study

Background Pericoronitis is a common inflammatory with pain being one of its most prominent clinical manifestations. Yet, the specific characteristics and patterns of pain associated with pericoronitis remain relatively underexplored. This study aimed to assess the pattern of pain associated with pericoronitis in the third molar region.

Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 359 patients with third-molar pericoronitis. Data were for type, onset, severity, aggravating factors, relieving factors and clinical symptoms was collected. Clinical and radiographic examination was performed to confirm the presence and eruption status of the affected third molar.

Results Throbbing pain was the most commonly reported pain type (49.86%), followed by dull (29.81%) and sharp pain (20.33%). Pain onset was predominantly gradual (74.37%). Eating hard food was the most frequently reported factor aggravating pain (42.34%), followed by poor oral hygiene (28.69%). Moderate pain was the most common severity grade (48.47%), followed by mild (31.20%) and severe pain (15.32%). Avoiding chewing on the affected side was the most frequently reported relieving measure (43.25%).

Conclusions Pain associated with third-molar pericoronitis predominantly presented as gradually developing, throbbing, and moderate in severity. Mastication, particularly eating hard food was the most common aggravating factor while avoidance of chewing on the affected side was the most frequently reported relieving measure.