AIM: To investigate the frequency and reported intensity levels of dental treatment pain and discomfort in children, in conjunction with regular dental visits.

METHODS: The study included 2363 children in four different age cohorts. Data was collected from structured interviews by dental personnel regarding pain experiences or discomfort after treatments, including analgesia, extractions, operative treatments and radiographic examinations.

RESULTS: One-third of all treatment occasions were experienced as painful and/or causing discomfort. Treatment sessions including analgesia were assessed as painful in 49.7% of occasions, with injection being the most common given reason for pain. Extraction was painful in 62.4% of occasions, with injection as the main reason for pain. Operative treatments were assessed as painful in 38.8% of occasions, with drilling as the most common reason for pain and discomfort. Pain was reported in approximately 19% of all radiographic examinations.

CONCLUSIONS: Injection was the major reason for pain during treatment, including injection and extraction, while drilling was the most common cause of pain during restorative treatment. Dentists should try to minimise the experience of pain and discomfort by using all available measures to perform pain-free and effective dental injections.