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BMC Oral Health

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Anxiety | Research

Dental pain perception and emotional changes: on the relationship between dental anxiety and olfaction

Authors: Sarah Abdulaziz Mohammed Alkanan, Hadeel Saleh Alhaweri, Ghada Amin Khalifa, Shaimaa Mohamed Saeed Ata

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent olfactory aromatherapy reduces the intensity of dental pain and the level of dental anxiety. It also attempted to corelate between olfactory aromatherapy, stages of dental visits, and various dental procedures.

Methods

Female patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled study. Olfactory aromatherapy was performed using lavender oils. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the lavender group, in which patients inhaled 2% lavender vapors, and the control group, in which patients inhaled water vapors. Pain score, anxiety score, and changes in vital signs were among the predictable variables. Anxiety and pain were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and visual analog scales (VAS). The vital signs were systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (Spo2). Variables were evaluated before inhalations, 20 min after inhalations, at the end of settings, and on the following day.

Results

Each group had 175 participants. Pain and anxiety scores were significantly reduced, and all vital signs improved, except for DBP. The MDAS, STAI, and pain scores are reduced by 3.4, 4.2, and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to the control group. Olfactory aromatherapy had the greatest impact during the phase of waiting rooms.

Conclusion

When compared to the control group, olfactory aromatherapy reduces anxiety scores three to four times more. Pain perception is reduced by twice as much as in the control group. It also significantly reduces the anxiety associated with minor to moderately stressful dental procedures.

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Title: Dental pain perception and emotional changes: on the relationship between dental anxiety and olfaction
Authors: Sarah Abdulaziz Mohammed Alkanan
Hadeel Saleh Alhaweri
Ghada Amin Khalifa
Shaimaa Mohamed Saeed Ata
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-02864-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Dental pain perception and emotional changes: on the relationship between dental anxiety and olfaction

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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