Evaluation of the Effect of Extraction and Restorative Procedures on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Due to Anxiety in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children: An In Vivo Study

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the cardiovascular parameters, blood pressure, and pulse rate due to anxiety in children undergoing dental extraction and restorative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The parameters were measured at four and three intervals for the extraction and restorative group, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance test. RESULTS: In the extraction group, the change in blood pressure in female children (144 mm Hg) was significant compare to male children (141 mm Hg). In the restoration group, the change in blood pressure in male children (140/84 mm Hg) was found to be statistically more significant when compared to female children (139/85 mm Hg). The pulse rate change in both sexes was equally significant in restorative and extraction group. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that pain and fear anxiety play important roles in the cardiovascular changes during dental treatment because there was significant change in blood pressure and pulse rate over time during dental treatment.