Oral Care & Oral Cancer

Biography

Biography: David Gillam

Abstract

Management of post-operative sensitivity following periodontal treatment

Post-operative sensitivity may occur following both non-surgical and surgical procedures. Other complications in the soft

tissues of the oral cavity have also been reported following treatment. Traditionally data has been collected on the prevalence

or incidence of root dentine hypersensitivity (RDH) or root sensitivity (RS) using pain scores such as a Visual Analogue Scale

(VAS) or Verbal Descriptors. These studies often evaluate the effects of professionally applied or recommended treatments such

as, desensitizing varnishes, prophylaxis polishing pastes etc or assessing the effectiveness of the various flap designs with or

without adjustive materials to cover exposed root surfaces resulting from the gingival recession. Relatively few studies assess

the effects of periodontal procedures on the quality of life of those individuals receiving these procedures. From the available

published data, there is some evidence that the discomfort experienced during both non-surgical and surgical procedures is

relatively mild and transient in nature. For example, several systematic reviews have reported that the reported prevalence of

RDH/RS is relatively high immediately following a non-surgical procedure with the reported discomfort gradually decreasing

within two weeks. A similar picture emerges following surgical periodontal procedures with the discomfort gradually

diminishing over an eight-week period. Currently, there are a plethora of both professionally applied and home use products

available for the management of post-operative sensitivity following periodontal procedures. This presentation will review

the available literature and provide information on the prevalence of the condition, its aetiology and causal factors, as well as

practical recommendations for the clinical management of the problem.