# Effect of Anxiety on Pain Perception During Infiltration Anesthesia of Maxillary Teeth in a Group of Adult Sudanese Patients at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital

## TL;DR

This study found that higher dental anxiety in Sudanese patients is linked to increased pain perception during maxillary infiltration anesthesia.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the relationship between dental anxiety and pain perception in a Sudanese population during palatal infiltration anesthesia.

## Key findings

- Dental anxiety was significantly correlated with pain perception (Pearson coefficient of 0.405).
- Females had significantly higher dental anxiety scores than males (10.73 vs. 8.27).
- Local anesthetic injection was identified as the most anxiety-provoking factor in dental settings.

## Abstract

Background

This study aimed to assess the effect of dental anxiety on pain perception during palatal infiltration anesthesia in Sudanese patients. This study was conducted at the Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital from June 1, 2021, to August 30, 2021.

Methodology

Utilizing convenience sampling, 104 adult Sudanese patients were included in this cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, while pain perception was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale.

Results

A significant correlation between dental anxiety and pain perception was identified (an increase in dental anxiety increased pain perception, as evidenced by a Pearson coefficient of 0.405. Additionally, dental anxiety was significantly higher in females (10.73) compared to males (8.27), with a p-value of 0.006. Further, local anesthetic injection was the most anxiety-provoking factor in the dental clinic.

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the necessity for dental practitioners to implement tailored strategies addressing the specific anxiety-related concerns of their patients, particularly regarding local anesthetic administration. This approach can enhance patient comfort and potentially improve treatment outcomes by reducing anxiety and pain perception during dental procedures.