Associations between dental anxiety and postoperative pain following extraction of horizontally impacted wisdom teeth: A prospective observational study

The aim of the study is to identify associations between dental anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of horizontally impacted wisdom teeth. A total of 119 volunteers provided demographic data, and completed questionnaires, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Chinese Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (C-IDAF)-4C, and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain. Mean SAI, TAI, and C-IDAF-4C scores were 42.5 ± 8.7, 46.4 ± 10.9, and 16.9 ± 7.2, respectively. Mean postoperative pain level score was 3.0 ± 1.8 (range: 0.3–8.4). SAI scores increased as preoperative pain levels increased (β = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–1.98, P < .001); females had higher SAI scores than males (5.34; 95% CI: 1.74–8.95, P = .004). Multivariable analysis revealed that females, bad exodontic experience, and higher predicted pain levels were associated with higher IDAF-4C scores. SAI scores (γ = 0.611, P < .001) and TAI scores (γ = 0.305, P < .001) increased as C-IDAF-4C scores increased. Higher C-IDAF-4C scores and longer operative time were significantly associated with higher levels of postoperative pain. Specific factors are associated with anxiety and stress, and postoperative pain in patients undergoing wisdom teeth extraction. Addressing these factors preoperatively may reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to more favorable treatment outcomes.