Use of R. Melzak’s pain scale in surgical dentistry in the method of self-assessment of pain

Abstract

Objectification of pain is one of the difficult-to-solve problems in the clinical practice of doctors of various specialties. The work is based on the use of scales and questionnaires for quantitative assessment of pain in surgical dentistry and determination of the qualitative characteristics of pain using Ronald Melzack’s scale. The use of special questionnaires for pain assessment allows for quickly obtaining comprehensive information about the patient’s pain sensations, providing a purposeful and structured dialogue between the patient and the doctor, prescribing appropriate treatment, and comparing results. Goal. To determine the qualitative characteristic of pain using Ronald Melzack’s scale. Materials and methods. Our study involved 160 patients. Since tooth extraction surgery is performed throughout a person’s life, we selected adult patients (ages 18 to 75), including 100 men and 60 women. The study was based on the results of treatment of patients who underwent tooth extraction surgery between 2019 and 2022. Patients were treated at the dentistry center of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. Results and discussion. According to the results of the study, the most significant decrease in pain, as measured by the R. Melzack pain scale, was observed in the second group of patients. We explain the analgesic effect of pectin substances by their high etherification (ability to form gels) and hydrophilicity, which reduces pressure on nerve endings. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the use of pectin substances during tooth extraction surgery significantly reduces pain and thus partially eliminates the need for analgesics. The pain scale is important for any patient, especially for those who have communication problems and cannot clearly describe their pain sensations. In addition to assessing pain on the scale, it is important for the doctor to know other parameters, such as chronometry: how the patient perceived pain during the day; how the level of pain changed over the course of a week or month. Conclusions. 1. The use of the R. Melzack scale during long-term observation of patients can help the doctor assess the direction of adequate and effective therapeutic treatment, adjust surgical actions and appointments. 2. The use of special questionnaires to assess pain allows the doctor to quickly obtain comprehensive information about the patient’s pain sensations and provide targeted and structured dialogue. 3. The use of pectin substances during tooth extraction surgery significantly reduces pain, eliminating the need for analgesics.