Anxiety and pain related to mandibular block injections: comparison of self-reported measures and physiological response.

Publication date: Available online 6 September 2017
Source:Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Author(s): Jacco G. Tuk, Jerome A. Lindeboom, Linda Hoogendoorn, Byron W. Taylor, Arjen van Wijk
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether patients with a pain score ≥7 (high pain group) after a mandibular block injection had a higher physiological response than patients with scores <7 (low pain group).Study Design: Prior to oral surgery, patients (n = 66) filled out questionnaires to measure anxiety and expected pain. Questionnaires also assessed the patients' experiences with dental injections and dental anxiety, as well as their emotional state and intensity of anxiety. Before, during, and after the injection, physiological responses were measured using the Nexus-10. Patients were then asked about the pain and anxiety they experienced.ResultsThe mean score for pain experienced was 3.45 (SD 2.17) on an 11-point rating scale. Eight patients (12.1%) experienced high injection pain. There was a significant increase in mean sweat secretion and a significant decrease in mean respiration between the relaxing and injection phases. There was a significant positive relationship between experienced anxiety and mean heart rate during the injection phase. No significant difference was found in physiological response between patients who experienced high vs. low pain.ConclusionReported pain was not associated with the physiological response of patients receiving mandibular block injections.



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