Evaluation Relationship Among Dental Fear, SRP Pain and Periodontal Status Using Periodontitis Stages: A Retrospective Study
Abstract Background: The present study used the new classification of periodontitis and validated questionnaires to assess the relationship among dental fear, SRP pain and periodontal status for clinical evaluation.Methods: An amount of 120 periodontitis patients were retrospective analyzed and staged according to the new classification of periodontitis. Scaling and root planning (SRP) was performed and Visual analogue scales (VAS) applied immediately after SRP treatment. Application of questionnaires including Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scales (DAS), Dental Fear Survey (DFS), and the short-form Dental Anxiety Inventory (S-DAI) were adopted at the time of first attendance and consequent visit after 6 months to assess dental fear level. The scores of each dental fear scale and combination scales were recorded. Patients were divided into two categories according to DAS value (low dental fear group: DAS<13; high dental fear group: DAS≥13). The statistical analysis was performed by t-test, chi-square, pearson and spearman correlative analysis to evaluated the relationship and differences among dental fear, SRP pain and periodontal status.Results: Compared to pre-SRP treatment, dental fear level of DFS and combination scales were significantly decreased in post-treatment in all periodontitis stage. There were no statistical significance on dental fear level of S-DAI and DFS between patients pre and post-treatment in periodontitis stage I and II, while statistical significance were shown in stage III and IV. Correlation were statistical significance among dental fear level assessed by DAS, DFS and S-DAI, VAS and periodontitis stages. Significant differences of patient amount were shown between two categories according to DAS.Conclusions: SRP can reduce dental fear level in all periodontitis stages, especially stage III and IV. Correlations exist among periodontal status, dental fear and SRP pain. High dental fear relates to poor periodontal status.