Perioperative Propranolol Against Dental Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Previous research suggested propranolol could attenuate trauma symptoms by blocking memory reconsolidation.
• This study investigated propranolol's effectiveness in reducing dental anxiety during tooth extractions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if perioperative propranolol reduces dental anxiety and phobia in patients undergoing dental extractions.
• To assess the drug's impact on state anxiety and specific phobia diagnoses.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, quadruple-blind trial involving 52 patients with dental anxiety or phobia.
• Participants received either 120 mg propranolol or placebo before dental extractions, with fear memory reactivation.
• Dental anxiety was measured using the short version of the dental anxiety inventory (S-DAI).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in dental trait anxiety reduction was observed between the propranolol and placebo groups.
• Both groups showed decreased S-DAI scores, indicating reduced dental anxiety.
• Propranolol administration did not significantly alter intra-operative state anxiety or phobia diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• The findings do not support previous research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Perioperative propranolol did not demonstrate effectiveness in reducing dental anxiety or phobias.
• Individuals with traumatically induced fears may not benefit from this treatment approach.