METHODS FOR REDUCING PATIENT STRESS DURING DENTAL PROCEDURES
Keywords:
dental procedures, stress, anxiety, pain management, sedation, psychological support, muscle relaxation, music therapy, breathing techniques, virtual reality, doctor-patient communication, individualized approach, psychological well-beingAbstract
Dental procedures are commonly associated with stress, anxiety, and fear in patients, which can increase pain sensitivity and negatively affect the quality and duration of treatment. Various psychological, physiological, and pharmacological methods are used to reduce patient stress during dental care. Establishing clear and empathetic communication between the dentist and the patient, providing detailed explanations, and addressing concerns are essential psychological strategies. Physiological methods include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, music therapy, aromatherapy, and visual distractions such as virtual reality. Pharmacological approaches may involve local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia in certain cases. An individualized approach considering the patient’s age, psychological state, and prior medical experiences is crucial. Together, these strategies help improve the psychological well-being of the patient and enhance the overall quality of dental care.
References
1. Berggren U., Meynert G. (1984). Dental fear and avoidance: Causes, symptoms, and consequences. Journal of the American Dental Association, 109(2), 247–251.
2. Armfield J.M. (2010). Cognitive vulnerability: A model of the etiology of fear. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(8), 886–898.
3. Humphris G.M., Crawford J.R., Hill K., Gilbert A., Freeman R. (2013). UK population norms for the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale with percentile calculator: Adult dental health survey 2009 data. BMC Oral Health, 13(29).
4. Liddell A., Locker D. (1997). Dental fear and anxiety in a university population. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 25(4), 237–242.
5. Newton J.T., Buck D.J. (2000). Anxiety and pain measures in dentistry: A guide to their quality and application. Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(10), 1449–1457.
6. Armfield J.M., Heaton L.J. (2013). Management of fear and anxiety in the dental clinic: A review. Australian Dental Journal, 58(4), 390–407.
7. De Jongh A., Ter Horst G. (1993). Behavioral control and coping with dental anxiety and pain. Anesthesia Progress, 40(3), 72–78.
8. Melamed B.G., Zeltzer L.K. (1987). Anxiety and pain in dental treatment. Behavioral Therapy, 18(4), 491–501.
9. Wide Boman U., Carlsson S.G. (2000). The effect of applied relaxation on dental fear: A pilot study. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 108(2), 150–155.
10. Moore R., Birn H., Kirkegaard E. (1991). The use of benzodiazepines and nitrous oxide in managing dental anxiety. International Dental Journal, 41(3), 129–136.
11. Kvale G., Berg E., Raadal M., Skaret E. (2004). Children’s dental fear and behavior during treatment: A prospective study. Pediatric Dentistry, 26(6), 519–525.
12. Doerrfeld A., Hofmann E., Berndt R.D. (2019). Virtual reality distraction reduces pain and anxiety during dental procedures. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(5), 673.
13. Wilson K.M., Radhakrishnan J., Morgan R. (2013). Aromatherapy in the management of dental anxiety: A pilot study. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 31(1), 32–38.
14. Khoshnevisan M., Khademi S., Sheykholeslami Z., Sharifi S. (2018). The effect of music therapy on anxiety levels in dental patients: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 32, 19–23.
