A Comparative Evaluation of Subjective Patient Comfort Levels Between Non-latex Conventional Dental Dam System and...

Background Dental dam isolation is considered the standard of care in endodontics due to its role in maintaining an aseptic operating field and enhancing patient safety. However, limited evidence exists comparing patient comfort with non-latex conventional and prefabricated dental dam systems. Objectives The primary objective of this randomised interventional questionnaire-based study was to evaluate and compare subjective patient comfort levels between a non-latex conventional and a non-latex prefabricated dental dam system during endodontic treatment of mandibular first molars. Materials and methods Sixty volunteers were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n = 30 each). After obtaining informed consent, each dental dam system was applied, and endodontic treatment was performed on mandibular first molars. Upon completion of the procedure, patients evaluated their comfort by filling out a custom-designed questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) utilising the Pearson's Chi-square test for the qualitative variables. Results Conventional and prefabricated non-latex dental dam systems provided similar levels of patient comfort. Stretching sensation, difficulty in swallowing, unpleasant taste or odour, nausea, and overall patient experience did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), with the majority of patients expressing a positive treatment experience. Conclusion Patients experienced similar comfort while undergoing treatment with non-latex conventional and prefabricated dental dam systems.