Dental Anxiety Affects Operation Quality and Surgeon’s Comfort in Oral Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Impacted third molar extraction generally provokes a high level of anxiety in patients, and causes stress and discomfort to the operating surgeon. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of anxiety on the surgery quality and surgeon’s comfort in third molar surgery. Materials and Methods “STAI-T” and “STAI-S” questionnaires, which are used to measure anxiety, was administered to 110 patients via an interview in order to measure their levels of preoperative anxiety. The time necessary for the tooth extraction (starting from the first incision to the last suture) was recorded. After the operation, a questionnaire including eight questions was administered to surgeons who performed the third molar surgery. Results The results of STAI-T and STAI-S questionnaires were not statistically different between men and women (p>0.05). Trouble in pain control was seen in patients with high scores of STAI-T. Negative correlation was found between STAI-S scores and operation quality and surgeons’ comfort. Conclusion Patient cooperation is an important factor in oral surgery procedures. Assessing the patient’s anxiety level and taking necessary precautions before the operation is important for both patient and surgeon’s comfort during the oral surgery operations.