(PR45) Prevalence of Dental Pain in Adult Cystic Fibrosis Population

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients are at a higher oral health risk due to high prevalence of enamel defects. Existing research has confirmed a high prevalence of chronic pain in CF population affecting 89% of adults and a negative effect on their quality of life and interferes with their treatments. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of dental pain in an adult CF population and to determine whether pain of endodontic origin is more prevalent. The questionnaire was distributed via REDCap survey to 52 adult patients of a specialized CF center at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania and to 52 non-CF patients seeking routine dental checkup at Penn Dental Medicine from September to November 2022. Participants were asked to indicate if they had experienced dental pain in the past 12 months, the intensity of pain, and any treatment rendered to alleviate their symptoms, including endodontic treatment or extractions. The data was evaluated by Fisher’s exact test of independence. Out of 52 affected participants, 19 (35.8%) reported dental pain, compared to 12 in control group (22%) (p=0.198). Median pain intensity was comparable (5/10 in CF group and 6/10 in control), but it lasted significantly longer in CF group (18 days on average) compared to control (9 days on average). Among CF patients six had root canal treatments and control group reported four root canal treatments and one extraction. Higher prevalence of dental and endodontic related pain was reported in adults with CF.