Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Wisdom Tooth Surgery Can Aid Informed Decision-Making and Reduce Presurgical Anxiety

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Current guidelines recommend cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) only when panoramic X-rays indicate a high risk of nerve injury during wisdom tooth surgery.
• The psychosocial impact of this selective imaging approach on patient anxiety and decision-making is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the psychosocial effects of selective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) use on patients undergoing wisdom tooth surgery.
• To assess anxiety levels, awareness of CBCT necessity, and treatment decision-making in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 119 participants undergoing wisdom tooth surgery.
• Quantitative data collected via questionnaires on anxiety, CBCT awareness, and satisfaction.
• Qualitative data analyzed thematically; quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests.

Main Results:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) use was associated with a 31% self-reported reduction in anxiety.
• 45% of patients experienced substantial anxiety reduction, with only 4% reporting increased anxiety.
• Higher anxiety levels correlated significantly with altered treatment decisions (P < 0.001); 95% found CBCT worthwhile.

Conclusions:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) demonstrates an anxiolytic effect, reducing presurgical anxiety in wisdom tooth surgery patients.
• CBCT enhances patient comprehension of surgical risks, potentially influencing treatment choices.
• Further research is needed to balance the anxiolytic benefits of CBCT against radiation exposure.