Comparison of Anxiety and Pain Levels Before and After Dental Implant Surgery

Abstract

Statement of the problem: Postoperative pain and dental anxiety remain significant clinical concerns following dental implant surgery. Although existing studies have evaluated pain and anxiety associated with implant procedures, most have primarily focused on the pain-anxiety relationship without comprehensively addressing the influence of systemic diseases. However, it is well established that systemic diseases may increase anxiety levels in individuals and negatively affect the healing process.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare preoperative and postoperative pain levels in systemically healthy individuals and patients with systemic diseases undergoing dental implant surgery, to monitor the course of pain on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th postoperative days, and to assess the impact of anxiety during this period. Additionally, the study sought to determine the effect of systemic diseases on postoperative pain and dental anxiety.

Materials and Methods: A total of 83 individuals scheduled for dental implant surgery at Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, were included in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: patients with systemic diseases (n=40) and systemically healthy individuals (n=43). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I, STAI-II), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative pain levels were reassessed on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 46.53±14.03 years, with significantly higher age observed in the systemic disease group (p<0.01). The highest pain scores were recorded on the 1st postoperative day, followed by a significant decrease on the 3rd and 10th days. Postoperative and 10th-day VAS values were significantly higher in patients with systemic diseases compared to healthy individuals (p<0.05). Anxiety parameters decreased over time in both groups; however, postoperative MDAS scores were significantly higher in the systemic disease group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Although pain and anxiety levels decreased over time after dental implant surgery, systemic diseases were found to negatively influence these parameters. Patients with systemic diseases reported higher pain and anxiety scores throughout the follow-up period. Therefore, systemic conditions should be carefully considered in treatment planning, and providing preoperative information and psychological support is of clinical importance.