Keywords
APAIS
Surgical dental procedures
local anaesthesia
periodontal flap surgery
Abstract
Introduction: Pre-operative anxiety is a common psychological response among patients undergoing surgical dental procedures. Anxiety may influence pain perception, cooperation during surgery, and overall treatment outcomes. Limited data are available regarding pre-operative anxiety among dental patients in Nepal.
Objectives: To assess the level of pre-operative anxiety and associated factors among patients undergoing surgical dental procedures under local anaesthesia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 patients undergoing surgical dental procedures under local anaesthesia at Kantipur Dental College and Hospital from June 2024 to November 2024 following ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC-KDC; Ref. No. 09/024). Non-probability purposive sampling was applied. Eligible participants were adults aged ≥18 years scheduled for periodontal flap surgery, surgical extraction, dental implant placement, or minor oral surgical procedures under local anaesthesia. Anxiety was assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Data were analysed using SPSS version 24. Chi-square test was used to determine association between preoperative anxiety and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among 157 participants, 77.1% exhibited preoperative anxiety before dental procedures with mean subscale anxiety score (APAIS-A) of 9.5 ± 3.7 and mean subscale information desire score (APAIS-I) of 5.4 ± 2.2. Previous dental visit (p=0.007), fear of pain (p < 0.001), fear of complications (p < 0.001), and fear of the unknown (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with clinically relevant anxiety.
Conclusions: More than two thirds of the study participants undergoing surgical dental procedures under local anaesthesia experienced pre-operative anxiety. Psychological factors, particularly fear-related variables and previous dental history found significant association with preoperative anxiety. Structured patient counselling and targeted anxiety-reducing strategies are recommended in routine periodontal and oral surgical practice.
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