Multimodal perspectives on dental anxiety etiology and technologies

Dental anxiety is a complex condition that negatively impacts oral health, quality of life and dental care efficiency, often arising from psychological, physiological and early negative experiences that extend into adulthood. Therefore, it is of interest to assess its severity and identify triggers, tools such as the dental anxiety scale (DAS), modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS), dental fear scale (DFS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Children are often evaluated using the venham picture test (VPT) and facial image scale (FIS). Management involves behavioral and psychological methods, including rapport building, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. Pharmacological options like nitrous oxide and sedation provide relief. Oral benzodiazepines help patients remain calm during clinical procedures. Additionally, emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, audiovisual distraction and biofeedback have shown promising results. Tailored, multimodal plans ensure the best outcomes for every individual. Integrating these tools leads to better cooperation and long-term health.