Factors Influencing Level of Anxiety and Pain in Patients’ Receiving Endodontic Treatment

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Dental anxiety is a vicious cycle in which avoidance of dental care, poor oral health, and psychosocial consequences are prevalent. It might be a significant impediment to receiving prompt dental care until absolutely required.

Objectives: To evaluate the level of dental anxiety and pain in patients receiving root canal treatment and to identify factors that might increase anxiety levels.

Materials and Methods:  This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from the period of August-December 2022. The study included participants who scheduled their first appointment for endodontic treatment during this period. Participants were included between the ages of 18 and 60, those who provided verbal consent. The sample size of 100 cases were calculated through power analysis at a 95% confidence interval. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software. P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Result: According to the Modified dental anxiety scale, the average score was 12.7±4.53, which is considered to be a moderate anxiety. The Pearson correlation of mean anxiety score showed statistically significantly results such as gender (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), level of education (p=0.015), employment (p=0.029), ethnicity (p=0.009) and level of pain (p=0.008). The study showed a lower pain threshold among female patients than males with a statistically significant result (p=0.008).

Conclusion: The incidence of dental anxiety among study participants ranged from mild to moderate. Women, young patients, and those with less education were more concerned than their male counterparts. Patients who need urgent root canal therapy more commonly experience dental pain and anxiety.