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Compared to high-speed drilling with irrigation, low-speed drilling without irrigation offers better patient comfort and less postoperative pain and inflammation during implant site preparation.
In a recent study, low-speed drilling without irrigation markedly enhanced patient well-being and also reduced pain and swelling after surgery when compared to high-speed drilling with irrigation during implant site preparation. This study investigated patient-reported outcomes by comparing the effects of low-speed and high-speed drilling techniques, providing valuable insights into optimizing implant procedures.
In this randomized, controlled, single-blind trial, 66 adult patients with single posterior edentulism were assigned to either low-speed (150 rpm) drilling without irrigation (test group) or high-speed (800 rpm) drilling with irrigation (control group). A standardized protocol was followed by a single experienced operator. Patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, and quality of life (QOL) were measured using visual analog scales (VAS) and a 5-point Likert scale, with follow-ups for 7 days.
Patients in the test group reported lower perceptions of drilling time, vibration, and noise, but higher pressure, though these differences weren't statistically significant. The control group had a significantly higher drowning sensation and lower comfort levels. Real drilling time was longer in the test group. Volunteers in the test group witnessed substantially less pain within the first 12 hours and lower inflammation on the second day.
No significant differences in QOL parameters were observed between the groups. Thus, employing a slow drilling technique can lead to better patient-reported outcomes in the perioperative period of dental implant surgery. Although more research is needed to back up these findings, the initial results point to a more patient-friendly way to prepare for dental implants.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
Slow drilling technique may enhance peri-operative patient-reported outcomes in dental implant surgery
Omer Waleed Majid
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