Patients’ emotional condition prognosis at the dental visit
Psychological comfort during a visit to a dentist is important for preventive measures that may increase the quality of a medical service rendered. We have examined thoroughly 219 patients. A high incidence (63%) of a negative dental experience associated with fear was observed in 50% of the patients. The second cause (40%) of discomfort was connected with a severe pain that patients experienced during a first dental treatment. All the patients during their visits were strongly anxious. It was especially marked in men and in patients with an acute pain syndrome. An average value of galvanic skin response before treatment was 83.16±0.56 relative units, after the treatment - 74.68±0.47. The analysis of behavioral patterns revealed: 35% of men with acute pain experienced strong fear, that was absent in women. A mild fear was registered in 63.4% of “emergency” patients and 19.5% of the so-called “scheduled for a dental visit” patients. Patients who visited a dentist for a regular check up, in the majority of cases (78.2%) had emotional discomfort and tension as well as an episodic anxiety.