Journal of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics

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VOLUME 6 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

SURVEY

Patients' Perceptions on Root Canal Treatment and Their Experiences with It: Questionnaire-based Survey

Pradeep N Varatharajan, Ashok Leburu, Madhuram Krishnamurthy, V Naveen Kumar

Keywords : Anticipated pain, Anxiety, Experienced pain, Pain, Pain perception

Citation Information : Varatharajan PN, Leburu A, Krishnamurthy M, Kumar VN. Patients' Perceptions on Root Canal Treatment and Their Experiences with It: Questionnaire-based Survey. J Oper Dent Endod 2021; 6 (2):78-81.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10047-0118

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 24-05-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Both clinicians and patients care about pain and factors that influence pain perception. In the Chengalpattu population, there is a lack of data on patient's impressions on RCT. The goal of this pilot study is to look into adult patient's perceptions in the Chengalpattu area and see how they alter after therapy. The impact of demographic factors on anxiety and discomfort was also investigated. Two hundred and fifty patients were surveyed, with 270 (95%) completing both the pre- and posttreatment surveys. Patient anxieties, anxiousness, and anticipated or experienced pain were identified using modified Visual Analog Scales and multiple choice questions. The most common pretreatment concerns were future maintenance (46%) and pain (17%). Eighty-two percent of patients said they had anticipation of pain, whereas 7% said they had pain throughout therapy. Results suggest that anticipated pain is bigger than pain experienced during treatment, and that after the treatment, anxiety for future RCT was significantly reduced.


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