Does Psychological Profile Influence Third Molar Extraction and Postoperative Pain?

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Third molar extraction is a common surgical procedure.
• Intravenous sedation is frequently used for patient comfort and anxiety management.
• Psychological factors can influence surgical outcomes and patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of psychological profile on hemodynamic changes during third molar surgery under intravenous sedation.
• To assess the effect of psychological status on patient anxiety and postoperative recovery.
• To explore the relationship between psychological distress and pain perception after oral surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 100 patients undergoing third molar extractions under intravenous sedation.
• Assessment of psychological status using the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R).
• Monitoring of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation) and measurement of postoperative pain via a visual analog scale.

Main Results:

• Patients with psychological distress exhibited significantly higher preoperative anxiety levels.
• Postoperative pain reduction was observed in healthy patients but not in those with altered psychological conditions.
• No significant correlation was found between hemodynamic changes and psychological impairment.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous sedation effectively controls hemodynamic changes irrespective of a patient's psychological profile.
• Psychological distress is associated with increased dental anxiety and heightened postoperative pain.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the interaction between psychological factors and surgical outcomes.