Comparasion of Dental Anxiety in First Time Complete Denture Patients

Comparison of Dental Anxiety Level in Edentulous Patients Before and After Seeking Complete Denture Treatment for the First Time: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This quasi-experimental study compares dental anxiety levels in edentulous patients at two specific clinical points: the primary impression appointment and the denture insertion appointment. The study aims to determine if the process of receiving first-time complete dentures significantly impacts patient anxiety levels. Data will be collected from 70 participants at the Khyber College of Dentistry over a five-week interval between the two appointments

Participants aged 40-70 requiring first-time complete dentures will be enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling at the Prosthodontic Department of Khyber College of Dentistry. Dental anxiety will be measured using a specific 5-item Dental Anxiety Scale for edentulous subjects at the first visit (primary impression) and again at the insertion appointment, approximately five weeks later. A cut-off score of 19 on the scale will distinguish high-level from low-level anxiousness. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests (for normally distributed data) or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, will be used to compare the mean difference in dental anxiety levels at the two time points.

Inclusion Criteria: Edentulous patients (missing all teeth) requiring first-time complete dentures.

Exclusion Criteria: History of previous denture use, severe cognitive impairment, or systemic diseases contraindicating dental procedures.