Dental Anxiety Levels and Implementing Anxiety-Reduction Techniques in Pre-and Post-Operative Dental Patients

Abstract

Background
Dental anxiety significantly impacts patient comfort and treatment outcomes in dental practice. Evaluating pre-operative anxiety-reduction interventions among adult dental patients undergoing routine procedures is crucial. This study aims to explore effective strategies to alleviate dental anxiety, potentially revolutionizing its management and enhancing patient comfort.
Methods
Seventy adult participants undergoing routine dental procedures were included. Demographics were recorded, and pre-operative dental anxiety levels were assessed using the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C+). Participants received two anxiety-reduction techniques during procedures, and anxiety was reassessed post-operatively.
Results
Significant reductions in anxiety scores were observed post-intervention. Female participants' anxiety decreased from 2.5 ± 0.76 to 1.56 ± 0.46, and male participants' anxiety decreased from 1.70 ± 0.57 to 1.13 ± 0.17. Both low education (2.22 ± 0.77 to 1.40 ± 0.43) and high education groups (1.64 ± 0.70 to 1.14 ± 0.19) exhibited decreased anxiety. Both intervention techniques, rest and breaks (2.01 ± 0.78 to 1.31 ± 0.36) and distraction (2.27 ± 0.77 to 1.42 ± 0.46) were effective.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that pre-operative anxiety-reduction interventions effectively reduce dental anxiety in routine procedures. Both rest and breaks and distraction techniques significantly lowered anxiety levels across participant demographics, suggesting potential benefits for patient comfort and dental care outcomes.