Characteristics of preoperative and postoperative anxiety in adults undergoing surgical extraction of impacted third molars

Abstract

Background/Aim: Surgical removal of impacted third molars is associated with possible complications that are primarily comprehended as expected. Increase in incidence and severity of complications is directly related to the depth of impaction, and to the age of the patient as well. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible influence of the treatment duration relating to age and gender of the patients, the occurrence of pain, and the existence of previous anxiety experience connected with surgical wisdom tooth removal. Material and Methods. The study included adults of both gender indicated for surgical removal of impacted third molars. The existence of previous wisdom tooth removal experience was determined during the first examination, and the subjects' anxiety and pain levels were determined pre-, and postoperatively. Results: There were no differences concerning the place of treatment (dental office/operating room) and the duration of surgery. Younger participants showed the lowest levels of preoperative anxiety and the highest levels of postoperative anxiety, and frequently reported postoperative pain. Female participants showed higher levels of preoperative and postoperative anxiety, and also frequently reported postoperative pain. Conclusions: Anxiety and pain scores were lower when there was a previous experience with removal of impacted wisdom teeth.