Effect of ‘Perceived control’ in management of anxious patients undergoing endodontic therapy by use of an electronic communication system

BACKGROUND: From time immemorial, fear and anxiety have been associated with dental treatment. Coping with this fear and anxiety has been one of the most vexing problems with which the individual dentist, as well as the profession has had to contend. Hence this study was undertaken to evaluate a new technique for management of such anxious patients. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using ‘Perceived control’ for the management of anxious patients undergoing endodontic therapy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: ‘A communication device designed by the author and named as “Touch N’ Tell” (Patent no: 234291, Government of India) was installed on the dental chair which helps to create an effective communiqué between the patient and dentist during the dental procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty anxious patients were selected using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and were divided into two groups. For group A, the patients were treated along with the use of ‘communication system’ installed on the dental chair, whereas the patients were managed in a routine manner for Group B. The post operative MDAS scores were recorded for both the groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The mean change in anxiety levels was calculated for both the groups. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in the mean anxiety levels was observed in the group where ‘communication system’ was used as a measure of perceived control.