Evaluation of pain perception associated with maxillary first molars distalization in the presence of maxillary third molars versus extracted third molars using infra-zygomatic mini-screws: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the pain associated with distalizing maxillary first molars with the presence versus extraction of unerupted third molars using infra-zygomaic mini -screws in a group of adolescent female patients. Study design: This randomized clinical trial (parallel group design) was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Future University in Egypt Materials and methods: 30 patients requiring bilateral maxillary molar distalization using infra-zygomatic mini-implant were randomly allocated to third molar extraction (TME) or third Molar presence (TMP) groups All patients were asked to assess their pain levels on the day of the mini-implant insertion procedure and after 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week using a numeric pain rating scale. Additionally, Each patient completed a numeric pain rating scale form on the day of mini-screw loading, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks following appliance fixation. Every patient received three copies, and the first, third, and sixth appliance activations required the same pain response. Results: At the mini-implant site, the mean pain scores in the TMP and TME on the same day for screw insertion were 5.27±2.08 and 4.89±1.99, respectively. And faded away gradually in both groups. Throughout the distalization phase, the average pain severity at the maxillary molar site on the day of mini-implant loading was 4.2±1.46 in the TMP group and 4.13±2.2 in the TME group. That subsides gradually to mild pain after one week of each appliance activation. comparable results found between both groups Conclusion: Pain experienced by the patient during maxillary molar distalization is comparable regardless of the presence or absence of the third molar. The insertion of infra-zygomatic screws caused moderate to modest discomfort in both groups. The distalization procedure was associated with mild to moderate discomfort, which progressively subsided after the loading day