AN ASSESSMENT OF DENTAL ANXIETY IN ORAL SURGERY PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety among patients anticipating various surgical procedures. Methods: 120 patients who were admitted for specific dental treatment at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Cumhuriyet University, participated in the study. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires were completed by the patients while waiting for their treatments. Results: Women demonstrated higher levels of State Anxiety (STAI-S) than men, but no difference for Trait Anxiety (STAI-T) scores. The patients with companionship had higher scores in STAI-S than others and had equal scores with others in STAI-T. There were not significant differences in the anxiety levels related to the previous dental treatment and anticipating extraction normally or surgically. Conclusions: It is concluded that anticipating surgical treatment may be the most anxiety provoking procedures in dentistry. However, the major factor that influenced of anxiety level is the patient's individual condition.