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To tame the pain?
1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, National Institute of Dental Research in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995)
|July 10, 1998
Summary
Patient fear of dental pain is a major barrier to seeking dental care. Postoperative discomfort, in addition to intraoperative and pathological pain, significantly contributes to dental anxiety and avoidance.
Area of Science:
- Dental Medicine
- Pain Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Pain is a primary reason for patient avoidance of dental treatment.
- Dental pain is frequently reported in national surveys of the US population.
- Aversion to dentistry may stem from various pain types, including intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of postoperative pain in patient avoidance of dental care.
- To understand the multifaceted nature of pain associated with dental procedures.
- To identify key pain-related factors influencing patient decisions regarding dental treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national survey data on pain complaints.
- Review of literature on pain associated with dentistry.
- Qualitative assessment of patient-reported reasons for avoiding dental care.
Main Results:
- Dental pain is a leading cause of patient-reported avoidance of dental services.
- Postoperative pain is a significant, yet often overlooked, contributor to dental anxiety.
- Patient perception of potential pain influences treatment decisions.
Conclusions:
- Addressing postoperative pain is crucial for improving patient compliance and reducing dental fear.
- A comprehensive approach to pain management in dentistry is necessary.
- Reducing the fear of dental pain can increase access to essential oral healthcare.