The Role Of Patient-Reported Outcomes In The Management Of Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a significant public health issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The management of TDIs often focuses on clinical outcomes, but the incorporation of patient perspectives through the use of dental patient-reported outcomes (dPROs) is increasingly recognized as essential for providing patient-centered care. Dental patient-reported outcome measures (dPROMs) are the tools used to assess dPROs, offering valuable insights into the impact of TDIs and their treatment on patients' lives. This comprehensive review explores the current state of knowledge regarding the application of dPROs and dPROMs in the field of dental traumatology. The key dPROs identified include oral health-related quality of life, pain and discomfort, aesthetics, function, adverse effects, patient satisfaction, number of clinical visits, and trauma-related dental anxiety. The review highlights the importance of integrating patient perspectives into clinical decision-making and research, as well as the potential benefits of using dPROs to guide treatment planning, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and improve patient outcomes. Future directions for research are discussed, emphasizing the need for standardized and validated dPROMs specific to dental traumatology, as well as the potential of electronic PROMs (ePROMs) for routine monitoring of patients after TDIs. By embracing a patient-centered approach that incorporates dPROs and dPROMs, dental professionals can enhance the quality of care for individuals affected by TDIs and contribute to the advancement of the field of dental traumatology.