Comparison of patient-centered outcomes measures between low-speed drilling without irrigation and high-speed drilling with irrigation: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare patient satisfaction during surgery, postoperative pain and inflammation and quality of life between high-speed drilling with irrigation and low-speed drilling without irrigation for implant bed preparation. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six posterior single edentulous patients were included in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Implant beds were created using high-speed drilling with irrigation (control group) or low-speed drilling without irrigation (test group). Patient satisfaction during surgery (in relation to drilling-time perception, vibration, pressure, noise, comfort, and drowning sensation) and postoperative pain and inflammation were evaluated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS)-based questionnaire. Quality of life was analyzed with a Likert scale (in relation to mouth opening, chewing, speaking, sleeping, daily routine, and job). The follow-up period was 7 days. Results: Patient satisfaction in relation to drilling-time perception, vibration, pressure, and noise did not show statistically significant differences (p >.05). The highest scores of drowning sensation (p .05). Conclusion: Low-speed drilling without irrigation for single implant site preparation was more comfortable for patients than high-speed drilling with irrigation, due to the correlation between important drowning sensation and low perceived comfort. Postoperative pain and inflammation were lower for low-speed drilling without irrigation. Further studies are needed to validate or refute these results.