Oral Pain Management for Pregnant Patients: A Survey of Endodontists 

Cristobal S. Berry-Caban*, Jarom Burbank, Toni Buchheit, Thomas Beltran, Amy Mccoart

Introduction: Oral health during pregnancy is an important part of prenatal care as there is a known association between oral diseases and preterm delivery, low birth weight, preeclampsia, small for gestational age, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth. This study examines current approaches by endodontists to pain management for severe oral pain in pregnant patients.

Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 2,777 members of the American Association of Endodontists to obtain data regarding pain management during pregnancy. Responses were compared based on gender, practice setting, as well as by time in practice. Comparisons were accomplished using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Two hundred ninety-three endodontists completed a web-based survey. In regards to NSAIDs prescribing there were significant differences based on provider experience. Providers with less experience were less likely to prescribe ibuprofen than those with 20+ years experience. In regards to the prescription of opioids and NSAIDS per trimester opioids were equally prescribed throughout as was acetaminophen or the combination however NSAIDS were generally prescribed less often.

Discussion: Collaborating with patients obstetricians and endodontists regarding the safety and efficacy of pain medications in pregnancy could lead to improved management of severe oral pain during pregnancy