A Novel assessment tool monitoring the level of patient anxiety during third molar surgery procedure

Abstract

The authors hypothesized that an audio-visual presentation providing information regarding the removal of an impacted mandibular third molar would reduce patient anxiety. Aim& objectivesA clinical trial was performed to assess the level of patient anxiety during third molar surgery by using a new induction program and comparing the results amongst two groups that were the verbally informed and the audio-visual informed groups. Materials and methodsthe clinical trial included the patients who required surgical removal of an impacted third molar and fulfilled the predetermined criteria. The patients were divided into two groups - group 1 (no. = 20) the audio visual informed group and group 2(no. = 20) the verbally informed group. For both the groups the HR was recorded beat by beat using HR sensor (polar H1 UK) connected to an ActiGraph WGT3X- 3T USA. Also the modified dental analogue scale(MDAS) was used to subjectively record the anxiety during the surgery. ResultsThe HR reading were statistically significant for the following surgical stages; drilling, suturing and upon leaving the clinic. The audio-visual informed group had lower self-reported anxiety scores than did the verbally informed group. ConclusionThese results suggested that providing an audio-visual presentation about the surgical procedures in our routine clinical practice could aid in alleviating anxiety which would thereby reduce surgical complications.