EVALUATION OF ANXIETY LEVEL AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS UNDERGOING THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION

Dr. Sami Faisal Jamdar* and Dr. Aaminah Fatima Jamdar

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to quantitate the anxiety associated with third molar extraction in dental students. And to compare the anxiety levels between males and females, among impacted and non-impacted mandibular third molar. Methods: This study was conducted on 200 Dental students, requiring extraction of mandibular third molar. Patients were randomly enrolled for the study, consecutively as and when they reported. All the patients under the study were given a questionnaire before removal of mandibular third molar. The anxiety levels were evaluated based on the scores of the Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale. Results: The results of this study showed Dental Anxiety Scores among female patients was higher than male patients; however the difference between male and female patients was statistically not significant. Among impacted and non-impacted groups Dental Anxiety Score was higher among impacted third molar group, but the difference between impacted and non-impacted groups was statistically not significant too. Conclusion and Interpretation: In conclusion, maxillofacial surgeons should consider that patients initially visit dental office for treatment of third molar with sever anxiety which could be due to conditioning or learned responses that these patients have experienced. And thus a prior awareness of the patient’s predisposition dental anxiety may thus be of value, enabling to take appropriate and/or therapeutic measures or care. Thus giving anxiety free treatment to the patients and better postoperative recovery.

Keywords: Anxiety, DAS, Impaction, Students.