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Dental phobia in dentistry patients
M Bellini1, O Maltoni, M R Gatto
1Division of Psychiatry in Dentistry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Minerva Stomatologica
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Most periodontology patients seeking treatment exhibit low anxiety and phobia symptoms, unrelated to specific dental fears. Quality of life remains unaffected by these mild psychological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oral health psychology
- Periodontology
- Anxiety and phobia research
Background:
- Dental anxiety and phobias are common, potentially impacting treatment adherence and outcomes.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of these psychological symptoms in periodontology patients is crucial for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anxiety and phobia symptoms in periodontology patients before treatment.
- To assess the relationship between these symptoms, specific dental fears, general health, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive outpatients (N=250) at a university periodontics and implantology clinic were surveyed.
- Data collected via State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Y1, Marks-Sheehan Phobia Scale (MSPS), and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) short form.
- Specific dental fears, patient history, and clinical assessments were also recorded.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (86%) reported very mild anxiety and phobia symptoms.
- Significant psychological symptoms of anxiety (13.2%) and phobia (13%) were observed, independent of specific dental fears.
- Fear of pain (48.8%) and injections (29.9%) were the most prevalent specific dental fears; quality of life was not significantly affected.
Conclusions:
- Periodontology patients with moderate-to-severe dental issues, good general health, and psychosocial functioning typically present with low or absent anxiety and phobia.
- When anxiety or phobia symptoms are present, they are not directly linked to specific dental fears identified in this cohort.
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