A Hospital based Observational Study Assessing Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Complete Denture Treatment

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the anxiety in patients undergoing complete denture treatment.

Methods: This prospective study conducted in the, Department of Prosthodontics, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Rajasthan, India. A standardized, suitable, and reliable questionnaire was formulated and validated in a simple tick format consisting of ten questions. This questionnaire was then distributed among the patients who were undergoing complete denture treatment in the Department of Prosthodontics to determine the cause for their anxiety during and after treatment.

Results: Out of the 500 edentulous patients surveyed, 273 (54.60%) patients were females and 227 (45.40%) were males. The data revealed that only 123 (24.6%) of the patients were comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist, whereas 377 (75.4%) of the patients were not comfortable. Patients were asked to rate their anxiety level on the Visual Analog Scale–Anxiety (VAS–A)  scale of 0–10, with 0 being not at all anxious to 10 being very anxious. Data showed distribution in various ranges predominantly between score 4 with 129 (25.8%) patients and score 8 with 112 (22.4%) patients, followed by score 3 at 84 (16.8%) patients. Out of the total 500 patients, 303 (60.6%) patients were previous denture users and 197 (39.4%) patients were getting the dentures fabricated for the first time. While 222 (44.4%) patients showed readiness with the idea of using a complete denture, the remaining 278 (55.6%) patients disliked the idea of using a complete denture. Sense of vomiting while making the impression was the primary reason for anxiety in 298 (59.6%) patients. Fullness of the mouth comprised 122 (24.4%) patients. Fear of swallowing the impression material constituted 61 (12.2%) patients with breathlessness being considered by 20 (4%) patients. Although 71 (14.2%) patients were of the view that it was not substantial for them that the doctor should understand their language, 429 (85.8%) patients considered that the doctor understanding their language is important for them.

Conclusion: There is a significant relation between denture satisfaction and anxiety. Proper recognition and diagnosis can significantly reduce many problems that may arise while treating a dentally anxious patient, thus preventing stress for both the dentist and the patient.