Surgical Service Utilization and In-Patient Satisfaction in Surgical Service.

BACKGROUND: The patient satisfaction study is an important and commonly used valid indicator for service quality improvement in healthcare institutions. The aim of this study was to assess the service utilization and patient satisfaction in patients admitted under surgical service in Bir Hospital. METHODS: A prospective cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences from February 2021 till June 2023. The patient satisfaction data was collected using the SAPS scale after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board. Data were entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. RESULTS: There were 152 patients included in the study categorized into conservative treatment group, elective surgery group and emergency surgery group. 32.9%(50) patients were "very satisfied", 62.5%(95) patients were "satisfied", 2.6%(4) were "neither satisfied nor dissatisfied" and 2%(3) were "dissatisfied" with the effect of their treatment/care. The mean satisfaction score in conservative treatment group was 22.13 ±2.53 as compared to the mean satisfaction in elective surgery group which was 21.11± 2.55 (P=0.036) and the mean satisfaction score in emergency surgery group which was 21.66 ±2.68 (P=0.64). CONCLUSIONS: The mean score and proportion of patient satisfaction regarding service utilization in patients admitted under surgical service were high with satisfaction score higher in emergency surgery group among the operative groups in Bir Hospital, National Academy of Medical Sciences.

Patients' perception of using telehealth for consultation: insights after pandemic and development of an online calculator platform to predict acceptance of remote consultation: the TELEMED international study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in healthcare models. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient acceptance of telehealth as an alternative to physical consultations, and to identify factors predicting higher satisfaction. This was an observational, cross-sectional, multi-center, international study. All consecutive patients for whom telehealth was used in consultations between April and July 2020 were considered for inclusion. The validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) was used as a model to measure patient acceptance. Overall, 747 patients were observed, of whom 721 agreed to participate (96·5%). The TUQ showed that 86·9% of patients agreed that telehealth was useful; 85·2% supported the interface quality and 81·4% endorsed the interaction quality. Patients aged > 60 y were less likely to agree with the use of telehealth (p < 0·05). A web-based prediction tool was generated to calculate global satisfaction and to identify patients more likely to feel comfortable with telehealth. Telehealth is feasible and allows consultations that are satisfactory for patients. Technological advancements could ease safe implementation of telehealth into everyday practice. Adequate patient selection can be useful to ensure that the ideal strategy is used for each individual during and after the pandemic.

Acceptability and Satisfaction of Patients and Providers With Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is an extremely contagious viral sickness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After the first cases of this primarily respiratory viral illness were recorded in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in late December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 rapidly disseminated across the globe. Consequently, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global pandemic. The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, coupled with subsequent lockdowns and social distancing measures, profoundly disrupted traditional healthcare delivery systems. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine emerged as a pivotal solution for delivering healthcare services while minimizing exposure to the virus. This study aims to assess patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine during this unprecedented period. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar using specific MeSH terms and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to summarize patient and provider satisfaction concerning telemedicine using all the facts, evidence, and published literature. The analysis showed that although providers were generally satisfied with telemedicine, they were less satisfied than patients due to technical issues and difficulties transmitting documents. Patients reported high satisfaction with telemedicine, citing convenience and cost savings as major benefits. However, a lack of provider compensation was identified as a potential barrier to adoption. Most providers believed that telemedicine was only necessary in emergencies while a few recognized its potential for routine care. The study concludes that telemedicine has the potential to improve healthcare access and efficiency, but more research is needed to address technical and reimbursement issues and to determine the appropriate scope of telemedicine use. Overall, the findings of this study can inform future healthcare policies and regulations to ensure that telemedicine is used effectively and to the satisfaction of both patients and providers.

Conventional and digital maxillary occlusal record for the manufacture of complete-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses: randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the trueness of the digital maxillary occlusal records in comparison with the conventional records for the fabrication of complete-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial followed the recommendations of the CONSORT statement. Twenty participants who used a mandibular interim complete-arch fixed prosthesis and conventional complete maxillary dentures were included in the study. The participants were randomized into two types of maxillary occlusal records: conventional (COR) and digital (DOR) (TRIOS; Shape A/S). After fabricating the prostheses, the distribution and number of occlusal contact points, and the time taken to obtain the maxillary occlusal record and work model were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate the distribution of occlusal contact points. The Wilcoxon test was employed for assessing the number of occlusal contact points, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for the time taken to obtain the working casts and the maxillary occlusal record and occlusal adjustment times (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a similarity in the jaw relation recording methods regarding the distribution of occlusal contact points. There was no difference in the number of occlusal contact points between the anterior (p = 0.439) and posterior (p = 0.227) teeth. No relationship was observed between the distribution and number of occlusal contact points (COR, p = 0.288; DOR, p = 0.183). DOR required less occlusal and clinical adjustment time, on the other hand more laboratory and total workflow time than COR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The DOR may be an option for obtaining the functional space necessary for the assembly of teeth in complete-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses; however, it requires more working time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The digital occlusal recording method can be used to assess the interocclusal space for the virtual tooth setup of a complete-arch implant-supported fixed prosthesis.

Bounded rationality in healthcare: unraveling the psychological factors behind patient satisfaction in China.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is a crucial metric to gauge the quality of medical services, but the psychological factors influencing patient satisfaction remain insufficiently explored. Methods: This study examines these psychological factors by applying the theory of bounded rationality to 1,442 inpatients in Hangzhou, China, whose data were collected using a questionnaire. One-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression were used to analyze patient satisfaction and its associated factors. Additionally, the path analysis of the structural equation model revealed the mechanisms behind the key psychological factors that influenced patient satisfaction. Results: Medical risk perception, the social cognition of the medical environment, and social desirability bias had significant positive impacts on patient satisfaction. By contrast, negative emotions had a significant negative impact on patient satisfaction. Notably, patients' negative emotions had both a suppressive effect and a positive moderating effect on the relationship between medical risk perception and patient satisfaction. Similarly, social desirability bias had a suppressive effect on the correlation between the social cognition of the medical environment and patient satisfaction, albeit with a negative moderating effect. Discussion: These results suggest that when evaluating and improving patient satisfaction, accounting only for the factors that directly influence medical service quality is insufficient, as the indirect and moderating effects of patients' negative emotions and the social cognition of the medical environment must also be considered. Medical service providers should thus address patients' negative emotions, establish good doctor-patient relationships, optimize service environments, provide managers with medical risk education and training on negative emotions, and prioritize patient-centered care. Additionally, the government and relevant health departments should optimize medical policies, enhance fairness and accessibility, and create a positive social cognitive environment through public education and awareness campaigns.

Healthcare experiences of fibromyalgia patients and their associations with satisfaction and pain relief. A patient survey.

OBJECTIVES: The etiology of fibromyalgia (FM) is disputed, and there is no established cure. Quantitative data on how this may affect patients' healthcare experiences are scarce. The present study aims to investigate FM patients' pain-related healthcare experiences and explore factors associated with high satisfaction and pain relief. METHODS: An anonymous, online, and patient-administered survey was developed and distributed to members of the Norwegian Fibromyalgia Association. It addressed their pain-related healthcare experiences from both primary and specialist care. Odds ratios for healthcare satisfaction and pain relief were estimated by binary logistic regression. Directed acyclic graphs guided the multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The patients (n = 1,626, mean age: 51 years) were primarily women (95%) with a 21.8-year mean pain duration and 12.7 years in pain before diagnosis. One-third did not understand why they had pain, and 56.6% did not know how to get better. More than half had not received satisfactory information on their pain cause from a physician, and guidance on how to improve was reported below medium. Patients regretted a lack of medical specialized competence on muscle pain and reported many unmet needs, including regular follow-up and pain assessment. Physician-mediated pain relief was low, and guideline adherence was deficient. Only 14.8% were satisfied with non-physician health providers evaluating and treating their pain, and 21.5% were satisfied (46.9% dissatisfied) with their global pain-related healthcare. Patients' knowledge of their condition, physicians' pain competence and provision of information and guidance, agreement in explanations and advice, and the absence of unmet needs significantly increased the odds of both healthcare satisfaction and pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey describes deficiencies in FM patients' pain-related healthcare and suggests areas for improvement to increase healthcare satisfaction and pain relief. (REC# 2019/845, 09.05.19).

Collaborative design of a health research training programme for nurses and midwives in Tshwane district, South Africa: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses are essential for implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Unfortunately, nurses lack knowledge about research and do not always understand research terminology. This study aims to develop an in-service training programme for health research for nurses and midwives in the Tshwane district of South Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol outlines a codesign study guided by the five stages of design thinking proposed by the Hasso-Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University. The participants will include nurses and midwives at two hospitals in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province. The five stages will be implemented in three phases: Phase 1: Stage 1-empathise and Stage 2-define. Exploratory sequential mixed methods including focus group discussions with nurses and midwives (n=40), face-to-face interviews (n=6), and surveys (n=330), will be used in this phase. Phase 2: Stage 3-ideate and Stage 4-prototype. A team of research experts (n=5), nurses and midwives (n=20) will develop the training programme based on the identified learning needs. Phase 3: Stage 5-test. The programme will be delivered to clinical nurses and midwives (n=41). The training programme will be evaluated through pretraining and post-training surveys and face-to-face interviews (n=4) following training. SPSS V.29 will be used for quantitative analysis, and content analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria (reference number 123/2023). The protocol is also registered with the National Health Research Database in South Africa (reference number GP_202305_032). The study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Comparison of Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty Outcomes Between Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Normal Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is among the top five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures worldwide. Among rhinoplasty candidates, the most common mental health disorder is body dysmorphic disorder. (BDD). The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of BDD among rhinoplasty candidates, its association with the patient's self-assessment of aesthetic outcome and nasal functional, post-rhinoplasty compared to applicants with negative screening for BDD. METHODS: The following study is a cross-sectional, comparative study. Out of the 209 rhinoplasty candidates screened by the BDDQ questionnaire, 39 were positive for BDD. From the remaining 170 patients who screened negative for BDD, 39 participants were randomly selected as the control group for the comparative analysis. Rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) and standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey-cosmetic (SCHNOS-C) questionnaires were used for assessment of patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome of rhinoplasty. Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) and standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey-obstruction (SCHNOS-O) were used for the assessment of satisfaction with functional outcomes between groups of patients screened positive and negative for BDD. RESULTS: The prevalence of BDD was 18.66% among rhinoplasty candidates. The average age of patients screened positive for BDD was 31.41. The mean ROE score was significantly lower (i.e. lower satisfaction) in patients screened positive for BDD (15.69 versus 19.08, P = 0.001), regardless of confounding variables, such as age, sex, and marital status. SCHNOS-C score was higher (i.e. less satisfaction) among patients with BDD (47.01 versus 34.96, P = 0.021) and was significantly associated with higher odds of severe aesthetic concern post-rhinoplasty (OR (95%CI) = 5.000 (1.135-22.022), P = 0.033). Patients screened positive for BDD had significantly higher NOSE scores (i.e. less satisfaction with functional outcome) compared to participants negative for BDD (49.74 versus 37.82, P = 0.012). SCHNOS-O score had no significant association with BDD (P = 0.053). Furthermore, there was no significant association between BDD and NOSE or SCHNOS-O score after adjustment for the confounders. CONCLUSION: Patients screened positive for BDD were significantly less satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the rhinoplasty compared to those screened negative for BDD. Assessment of BDD among rhinoplasty candidates before surgery, could potentially be beneficial for both patients and surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Complete denture palatal rugae design impact on satisfaction and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the impact of three complete denture palatal rugae designs on participants' satisfaction and oral-health-related quality of life. BACKGROUND: Complete dentures palatal rugea are usually polished to a smooth finish, which can affect the patient's adaptation. Roughening or keeping an opening in the rugae area to replicate the natural sensation of the palatal rugae has been suggested but lacks clinical evidence. METHODS: This randomised crossover trial included participants with complete dentures randomly allocated to six sequences. Each sequence alternated between polished, roughened, and open rugae designs. Participants evaluated general and domain-specific satisfaction (eating, taste, speaking, phonetics, and ease of cleaning) on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. They also completed the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT) and indicated their preferred design at the end. Repeated-measure ANOVA compared satisfaction, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's test compared OHIP-EDENT scores. RESULTS: Forty-two participants were randomised. Seven dropped out. General satisfaction ratings were comparable for the polished (Mean = 80.2, SD = 19.7) and roughened designs (Mean = 79.5, SD = 20.2). However, the open design had a significantly lower satisfaction rating (Mean = 41.1, SD = 32.2). OHIP-EDENT scores for the open design (Mean = 44.9, SD = 17.5) were significantly worse than those for the polished (Mean = 36.1, SD = 12.7) and roughened designs (Mean = 36.2, SD = 13.3). Two-thirds of the participants chose the polished design. One-third chose the roughened design; of those, 83% were first-time denture wearers. CONCLUSIONS: Complete dentures with polished and roughened rugae designs were perceived similarly. Both designs could be recommended based on the patient's preference. However, the open design should be avoided due to negative perception.

Patient satisfaction with preoperative nursing care and its associated factors in surgical procedures, 2023: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To enhance patient satisfaction, nurses engaged in preoperative care must possess a comprehensive understanding of the most up-to-date evidence. However, there is a notable dearth of relevant information regarding the current status of preoperative care satisfaction and its impact, despite a significant rise in the number of patients seeking surgical intervention with complex medical requirements. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient satisfaction with preoperative nursing care and its associated factors in surgical procedures of, 2023. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the data was collected from the randomly selected 468 patients who had undergone surgery during the study period. The collected data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. RESULTS: The complete participation and response of 468 participants resulted in a response rate of 100%. Overall patient satisfaction with preoperative nursing care was 79.5%. Sex (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21-2.91)), payment status for treatment (AOR: 1.45 (95% CI: 0.66-2.97)), preoperative fear and anxiety (AOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.49-2.13)), patient expectations (AOR: 3.39, 95% CI: 2.17-7.11)), and preoperative education (AOR: 1.148, 95% CI: 0.54-2.86)) exhibited significant associations with patient satisfaction with preoperative nursing care. CONCLUSION: It is important to exercise caution when interpreting the level of preoperative nursing care satisfaction in this study. The significance of preoperative nursing care satisfaction lies in its reflection of healthcare quality, as even minor deficiencies in preoperative care can potentially lead to life-threatening complications, including mortality. Therefore, prioritizing the improvement of healthcare quality is essential to enhance patient satisfaction.

Comparative evaluation and patient satisfaction with an electrical impedance-based device versus digital radiography in the estimation of remaining dentin thickness in carious posterior permanent teeth: (Diagnostic accuracy study).

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of remaining dentin thickness (RDT) is paramount for restorative decisions and treatment planning of vital teeth to avoid any pulpal injury. This diagnostic accuracy study compared the validity and patient satisfaction of an electrical impedance based device Prepometer™ (Hager & Werken, Duisburg, Germany) versus intraoral digital radiography for the estimation of remaining dentin thickness in carious posterior permanent teeth. METHODS: Seventy patients aged 12-25 years with carious occlusal or proximal permanent vital posterior teeth were recruited. Tooth preparation was performed to receive an adhesive restoration. Pre- and post-excavation RDT were measured radiographically by two calibrated raters using the paralleling periapical technique. Prepometer™ measurements were performed by the operator. Patients rated their satisfaction level with each tool on a 4-point Likert scale and 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Inter and intragroup comparisons were analyzed using signed rank test, while agreement between devices and observations was tested using weight kappa (WK) coefficient. RESULTS: the intergroup comparisons showed that, before and after excavation, there was a significant difference between measurements made by both techniques (p < 0.001). After excavation, there was a weak agreement between measurements (WK = 0.2, p < 0.001), whereas before excavation, the agreement was not statistically significant (p = 0.407). Patients were significantly more satisfied with Prepometer™ based on scales and VAS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prepometer™ could be a viable clinical tool for determining RDT with high patient satisfaction, while radiographs tended to overestimate RDT in relation to the Prepometer™.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcomes in Orthognathic Surgery.

Background: Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure performed to correct severe jaw misalignments that can affect a patient's facial aesthetics and functional occlusion. While the primary goal of orthognathic surgery is to improve functional outcomes and facial appearance, it is essential to assess patient satisfaction as a crucial aspect of overall treatment success. Materials and Methods: Patient selection: We conducted a prospective study involving 50 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of severe jaw misalignment, as determined by clinical and radiographic assessments. The surgical procedures performed included maxillary advancement, mandibular setback, or a combination of both, depending on the patient's specific diagnosis. Preoperative orthodontic treatment was provided to align the teeth and prepare the patient for surgery. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative intervals of 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: Patient satisfaction scores and functional outcomes were as follows: aesthetics of facial profile (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.6, chewing function (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.4, speech function (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.3, and overall satisfaction with surgical outcome (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.5. Objective assessments revealed a significant improvement in occlusion and facial aesthetics. The mean reduction in overjet was 4.8 mm, and the mean reduction in overbite was 3.2 mm. Additionally, the mean postoperative ANB angle improved by 3.7°, indicating a better facial balance. Conclusion: Orthognathic surgery in our cohort of 50 patients resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction with both functional outcomes and facial aesthetics. Objective measurements also indicated significant improvements in occlusion and facial balance.

Management of groin hernia repair in Sweden: A register-based comparative analysis of public and private healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Swedish healthcare is in a period of transition with an expanding private sector. This study compares quality of outcome after groin hernia repair performed in a public or private healthcare setting. METHODS: A cohort study based on data from the Swedish National Hernia Register combined with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) 1 year after groin hernia repair. Between September 2012 and December 2018, a questionnaire was sent to all patients registered in the hernia register 1 year after surgery. Endpoints were reoperation for recurrence, chronic pain, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From a total of 87,650 patients with unilateral groin hernia repair, 61,337 PROM answers (70%) were received from 71 public and 28 private healthcare providers. More females, acute and recurrent cases, and patients with high American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores were operated under the national healthcare system. The private sector had more experience surgeons with higher annual volume per surgeon, shorter time on waiting lists, and shorter operation times. No difference was seen in patient satisfaction. Groin hernia repair performed in a private clinic was associated with less postoperative chronic pain (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.8-0.91) but a higher recurrence rate (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26-1.59) in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Despite private clinics having a higher proportion of experienced surgeons and fewer complex cases, the recurrence rate was higher, whereas the risk for chronic postoperative pain was higher among patients treated in the public sector.

EPA Consensus Project Paper: Do Implant Retained Prostheses Improve the Quality of Life of Patients with Extraoral Maxillofacial Defects - A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence available regarding patient satisfaction and quality of life assessment in patients with extraoral maxillofacial prostheses. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to understand the impact of extraoral implant retained prosthesis in improving the quality of life in patients with extraoral maxillofacial defects/abnormalities. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed of nine electronic databases up to August 2022, which yielded three articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria. The study characteristics and findings were extracted, and the included studies were assessed for quality. RESULTS: Three cohort studies were selected. Despite the lack of uniformity in the quality of life instruments, there was a general trend in improvement in the quality of life for patients with implant retained extraoral prostheses. The studies were also deemed to be of high quality on assessment. CONCLUSION: Given the limitations of this systematic review, there exists limited evidence indicating that implant prostheses may enhance the quality of life for individuals with extraoral maxillofacial defects or abnormalities.

Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing Technology on Patient-Specific Prosthodontic Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study.

Introduction: The rapid advancement of 3D printing technology has opened new avenues for patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore the impact of 3D printing technology on prosthodontic outcomes and patient satisfaction through a comparative analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients requiring prosthodontic rehabilitation were recruited for this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, where 3D printing technology was utilized for the fabrication of patient-specific prostheses, and the control group, where conventional fabrication techniques were employed. Various parameters were assessed, including prosthesis fit, occlusion, esthetics, and patient-reported outcomes such as comfort and satisfaction. Digital measurements and subjective evaluations were conducted to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests. Results: Preliminary findings indicated that the use of 3D printing technology in prosthodontic rehabilitation resulted in superior prosthesis fit, enhanced occlusal stability, and improved esthetics compared to conventional methods. Moreover, patients in the experimental group reported higher levels of comfort and overall satisfaction. The advantages of 3D printing technology were observed across different types of prosthodontic restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. These results highlight the potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation. By facilitating precise fabrication, customization, and improved functional outcomes, 3D printing can enhance the overall quality of prosthodontic care. Further long-term studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the cost-effectiveness and long-term durability of 3D-printed prostheses. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the integration of 3D printing technology in patient-specific prosthodontic rehabilitation holds great promise for achieving optimal functional and esthetic outcomes. The findings contribute to advancing prosthodontic practices and provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers seeking to incorporate this innovative technology into their treatment protocols.

Comparing Laser-Assisted and Conventional Excision in the Management of Oral Soft Lesions: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Introduction: Oral soft lesions represent a diverse array of pathological conditions that necessitate precise and effective treatment. Laser-assisted excision has gained prominence due to its purported benefits in terms of reduced procedural time, decreased bleeding, and improved aesthetic outcomes. However, conventional excision remains a common practice. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with clinically diagnosed oral soft lesions were enrolled in this prospective study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the laser-assisted excision group and the conventional excision group. Demographics, lesion characteristics, and medical histories were recorded for each patient. Procedural parameters such as operative time and intraoperative bleeding were meticulously documented. Results: The laser-assisted excision group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in procedural duration compared to the conventional excision group (P < 0.05), with mean operative times of 15.2 and 20.8 min, respectively. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly reduced in the laser-assisted group (P < 0.01), with an average blood loss of 15.7 ml, while the conventional excision group reported an average blood loss of 28.6 ml. Postoperative complications analysis demonstrated that the laser-assisted group had a lower incidence of wound infections (P < 0.05) compared to the conventional excision group (5% vs. 15%). Additionally, the laser-assisted group exhibited significantly reduced scarring (P < 0.01) as reported by both patients and clinicians. Patient satisfaction scores were consistently higher in the laser-assisted excision group, with 85% of patients reporting contentment with the procedure, in contrast to 65% in the conventional excision group. Conclusion: In light of the results obtained from this study, laser-assisted excision emerges as a favorable approach for the management of oral soft lesions.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Postoperative Follow-Up Care After Dental Implant Surgery. A Pilot Study.

Aim: Telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution to enhance postoperative follow-up care after dental implant surgery, offering the convenience of remote monitoring and reduced need for in-person visits. Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either the telemedicine group (n = 15) or the in-person group (n = 15). In the telemedicine group, patients received remote follow-up care through virtual consultations, during which they could communicate their concerns and share images of the surgical site. The in-person group received standard in-person follow-up visits. Patient satisfaction was measured using a standardized survey, with responses collected on a Likert scale. Results: Telemedicine group exhibited comparable levels of patient satisfaction (mean satisfaction score ± standard deviation: 4.6 ± 0.3) to the in-person group (4.7 ± 0.2). Moreover, clinical outcomes, including wound healing assessment, were similar between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative complications or the need for additional interventions. Conclusion: In conclusion, this pilot study demonstrates that telemedicine is an effective alternative to traditional in-person follow-up care for postoperative dental implant surgery patients. It offers comparable patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes while proving to be more cost-effective.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Treatment Outcomes in Digital Smile Design vs. Conventional Smile Design: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The esthetics of a smile holds significant importance in an individual's self-esteem and overall quality of life. In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, smile design has traditionally relied on conventional methods, but recent advances in technology have introduced digital smile design (DSD) as a promising alternative. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 150 adult patients seeking smile enhancement procedures were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the DSD group or the conventional smile design group. The DSD group underwent smile design using digital technology, including intraoral scans, computer-aided design, and 3D simulations. Meanwhile, the conventional smile design group received smile design through traditional methods, involving manual impressions, stone models, and manual wax-ups. Patient satisfaction was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 100 immediately after the procedure, while treatment outcomes were assessed three months post-procedure by dental professionals using a standardized assessment scale. Results: In terms of patient satisfaction, the DSD group demonstrated a mean score of 85.4 (SD ± 6.2), while the conventional smile design group had a mean score of 79.8 (SD ± 7.1). This suggests that patients in the DSD group reported higher levels of satisfaction with their smile enhancements. Regarding treatment outcomes, 92% of patients in the DSD group exhibited excellent restoration fit, occlusion, and esthetics, whereas 78% of patients in the conventional smile design group achieved the same level of excellence. These findings collectively indicate that digital smile design (DSD) may yield superior patient satisfaction and improved treatment outcomes when compared to conventional smile design methods, particularly with regard to esthetic results and overall patient contentment. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this randomized controlled trial emphasize the potential advantages of integrating digital technology into smile design procedures.

Evaluation of Failure in Single-Piece Implant Systems: A One-Year Follow-Up Study.

Objective: This study's goal was to assess the failure rate and peri-implant complications of single-piece implant systems over the course of a one-year follow-up. Materials and Methods: Patient records were examined retrospectively. 150 single-piece dental implants were analyzed. Clinical results, implant features, and demographic information were gathered. Implant failure, which is characterized as the total loss of osseointegration, served as the key outcome indicator. Patient satisfaction and peri-implant problems were secondary outcomes. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics. Results: During the one-year follow-up period, the failure rate for single-piece implant systems was 6.7%. The two main factors leading to implant failure were found to be poor osseointegration (60%) and biomechanical overload (40%). 20% of the cases had peri-implant problems, such as peri-implantitis. 85% of the panelists felt that single-piece implants had satisfied their patients. Conclusion: A 6.7% failure rate in single-piece implant systems was seen in this one-year follow-up investigation. The major causes of implant failure were found to be poor osseointegration and biomechanical loading. In 20% of the cases, peri-implant problems such as peri-implantitis, were noted. There was great patient satisfaction. These results highlight the significance of regulating occlusal forces, optimizing osseointegration, and applying preventive measures to ensure the long-term viability of single-piece implant systems.

Assessing the Efficacy of Cold Laser Therapy vs. Traditional Methods in Managing Post-Endodontic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The background of the study highlighted the common occurrence of post-endodontic pain and the need for effective pain management strategies. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the cold laser therapy (CLT) group and the traditional methods group (TMG). The CLT group received laser treatment at the affected area immediately following endodontic treatment, whereas the TMG received standard pain management techniques such as analgesics. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment. Pain scores were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, including analysis of variance, and P values were calculated to determine the significance of differences between groups. Results: This study found significant differences in post-endodontic pain levels between CLT and standard procedures. At 6 hours post treatment, the CLT group had a mean pain score of 2.1 ± 0.8, whereas the TMG had a mean pain score of 3.8 ± 1.2 (P = 0.012). Pain levels in the CLT group decreased with time, with scores decreasing to 1.5 ± 0.6 at 12 hours, 1.2 ± 0.5 at 24 hours, and 0.9 ± 0.4 at 48 hours post treatment. In contrast, the TMG had greater pain scores at each time point: 3.2 ± 1.0, 2.9 ± 1.1, 2.5 ± 0.9, and 2.1 ± 0.8 at 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment, respectively. At 12, 24, and 48 hours post treatment, P values of 0.021, 0.036, and 0.004, respectively, indicated significant differences. Conclusion: In managing post-endodontic pain, CLT demonstrated superior efficacy compared to traditional methods.