Impact Of Dental Anxiety On The Decision To Have Implant Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Dental implants are increasingly used in modern dentistry as anchors for prosthetic restorations. Anxiety is a complex phenomenon which can become a risk factor for suppression of many functions of the body.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect dental anxiety exerts on the choice of method of treatment by patients wanting to have dental implants.

Materials and methods: The study included 174 patients that were referred to us for dental implants placement because of partial or total loss of teeth. Their dental anxiety was measured using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) proposed by Norman Corah. The patients decided to have or refused to have treatment with dental implants either because they had dental anxiety or gave other reasons.

Results: Distribution of patients by level of anxiety was as follows: 33% were anxiety free, in 34% the dental anxiety was moderate, 25% had severe anxiety, and 8% experienced an extremely severe anxiety. Dental fear was given as a reason for refusal of treatment by 24.1% of the patients wanting to have dental implants. Of the patients wanting to have dental implants, 40.8% decided to proceed with the treatment; these patients exhibited low dental anxiety.

Conclusion: The decision to have dental treatment with implants is affected by the patient's level of dental anxiety. Only those with low level of dental anxiety decide to proceed with such a treatment. The mild anxiety some patients experience is beneficial as it eliminates a risk factor that may hinder the process of osseointegration.