Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20260018
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Do patients understand wisdom teeth post-op care? A double-blind clinical trial

Pacientes entendem cuidados pós-operatórios de terceiros molares? Estudo clínico duplo cego

Leonardo Perazza SILVA; Melissa Koto MURAI; Tiburtino José de LIMA NETO; Willian Phillip Pereira da SILVA; Anderson Maikon de Souza SANTOS; Fábio Ricardo Loureiro SATO; Osvaldo MAGRO FILHO; Leonardo Perez FAVERANI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.20260018 Rev. odontol. UNESP, vol.55, e20260018, 2026
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Abstract

Introduction: Effective communication of postoperative instructions is a fundamental pillar for successful surgical recovery. However, information retention and patient comprehension regarding care remain significant challenges in clinical dental practice, potentially impacting treatment outcomes directly.

Objective: To assess patient comprehension of postoperative care following third molar extraction by comparing the effectiveness of three different instruction delivery methods.

Material and method: A study was conducted with 40 patients (21 females, 19 males; mean age 24.38 years) undergoing third molar surgeries. Participants were assigned to three groups: Group A (verbal instructions for postoperative and complementary care), Group B (verbal and written postoperative instructions + verbal complementary care), and Group C (verbal and written instructions for both). Comprehension was evaluated using a structured questionnaire administered with interviewer assistance.

Result: While overall understanding was similar across groups, Group C demonstrated significantly superior adherence to the ‘avoid spitting’ instruction (p = 0.025). Critical errors were identified regarding treatment duration (20% incorrect), antibiotic dosing intervals (35% incorrect), and anti-inflammatory use (62.5% incorrect). Only 7.5% of patients correctly understood trismus mitigation strategies.

Conclusion: These findings highlight severe gaps in information retention, particularly concerning medication regimens and the management of common sequelae. Optimized instructional strategies, combining verbal and written formats, are essential to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes.

Keywords

Oral surgical procedures; dentists; postoperative complications; postoperative care; tooth extraction

Resumo

Introdução: A comunicação eficaz de instruções pós-operatórias é um pilar fundamental para a recuperação cirúrgica favorável. No entanto, a retenção de informações e a compreensão dos cuidados por parte do paciente permanecem como desafios significativos na prática clínica odontológica, podendo impactar diretamente o desfecho do tratamento.

Objetivo: Avaliar o entendimento de pacientes sobre os cuidados pós-operatórios após a exodontia de terceiros molares, comparando a eficácia de três diferentes métodos de entrega de instruções.

Material e método: Estudo realizado com 40 pacientes (21 mulheres, 19 homens; média de 24,38 anos) submetidos a cirurgias de terceiros molares. Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo A (instruções verbais para cuidados pós-operatórios e complementares), Grupo B (instruções verbais e escritas para o pós-operatório e apenas verbais para cuidados complementares) e Grupo C (instruções verbais e escritas para ambos). A compreensão foi avaliada por meio de um questionário estruturado aplicado com auxílio de um entrevistador.

Resultado: Embora a compreensão global tenha sido similar entre os grupos, o Grupo C demonstrou adesão significativamente superior à orientação de 'não cuspir' (p = 0,025). Erros críticos foram identificados na duração do tratamento (20% de incorreção), intervalos entre doses de antibióticos (35% de incorreção) e uso de anti-inflamatórios (62,5% de incorreção). Apenas 7,5% dos pacientes compreenderam corretamente as medidas de mitigação do trismo.

Conclusão: Os achados evidenciam falhas severas na retenção de informações, particularmente quanto ao regime medicamentoso e manejo de sequelas comuns. Estratégias de instrução otimizadas, combinando suportes verbais e escritos, são fundamentais para aumentar a segurança do paciente e melhorar os resultados clínicos.

Palavras-chave

Procedimentos cirúrgicos bucais; odontólogos; complicações pós-operatórias; cuidados pós-operatórios; extração dentária

References

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Submitted date:
04/22/2026

Accepted date:
06/16/2026

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