Effect of Simultaneous Guided Bone Regeneration on Postoperative Pain Three Days After Dental Implant Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is the most frequently used method for bone augmentation during dental implant surgery. This study was meant to explore the effect of simultaneous GBR on postoperative pain after dental implant surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 72 patients who were divided into the following two groups based on whether GBR was performed: Group A (single dental implant placement) and Group B (single dental implant placement with GBR simultaneously). Before the surgery, patients' anxiety status and pain sensitivity were assessed via the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and pain sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ), respectively. The pain values at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post-operation were recorded using a numerical rating scale. The independent samples t-test was performed to evaluate the difference, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients completed follow-up, with 30 patients remaining in each group. Patients in Group B experienced moderate pain after the implant surgery, with the peak of pain occurring at 4 h post-operation. And the average pain score in Group B was 4.77, which was higher than that in Group A (2.93). Furthermore, the difference in pain scores between the two groups at 4, 6 and 24 h after surgery was statistically significant (p = 0.002, 0.001 and 0.003, 95% CI = [-2.98, -0.69], [-2.40, -0.67] and [-1.05, -0.22], respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing simultaneous GBR during dental implant surgery tend to experience more postoperative pain, reaching up to or exceeding a moderate level. Therefore, we suggest to pay more attention on pain management after dental implant surgery with GBR to improve postoperative comfort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000041136, https://www.chictr.org.cn/).