The Effects of Different Pre-operative Information Timings on Patients’ Anxiety Level and Pain Perception

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of different timings of pre-operative information on patients’ anxiety level and pain perception after open flap debridement. Methods: 45 individuals with chronic periodontitis were equally allocated to the following groups: Group 1: Informed 7 days before surgery; Group 2: Informed 1 month before the surgery and Group 3: Informed by other dentists. All patients received open flap debridement. The anxiety level before surgery was evaluated by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the pain perception by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the days 1, 3, and 7 after surgery. Results: The state anxiety levels significantly increased immediately before surgery in all groups (P0.05). VAS 1st and 3rd day values were significantly correlated with STAI-Trait values (r=0.311, P=0.038 and r=0.422, P=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Pre-operative information provided by dentists at different times has no effect on post-operative pain and anxiety of the patients. Post-operative pain is associated with pre-operative anxiety. Determining the anxiety levels of patients before the operation acts an important part in the success of periodontal surgical treatments and pain management.