Microscopic Periradicular Surgery: Perioperative Predictors for Postoperative Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life Assessment

The authors report on data from a self-assessment questionnaire filled out by 199 patients undergoing periradicular microscopic surgery at two private endodontic offices and at graduate endodontic clinics of the University of Pennsylvania. Regression analysis was performed using pain and swelling as dependent variables and age, sex, type of teeth, location, periapical lesion, and remedication as independent variables. Pain and swelling were significantly related to females and younger patients (p < 0.05). The results supported Etodolac as a pre- and postoperative analgesic and use of antibiotics restricted to high-risk patients. Maximum pain and swelling were reported at night and day 1 of the surgery, respectively. Generally, swelling was more often reported than pain. Surgeries in anterior maxilla were related to more pain and swelling. A majority of the patients (67%) rated surgical endodontics more pleasant than expected and found it less painful (46%) or the same (38%) as nonsurgical treatment. The results also point out that patients in general have negative beliefs and limited knowledge about periradicular surgery.