Patients’ perceptions and experiences about the root canal treatment: An exploratory study among Saudi population

Abstract

Objectives: Root canal treatment (RCT) is one of the most popular treatments at dental setting and pain and anxiety is a great source of concern for dental patients and dentist. However, in Saudi Arabia the current literature containing data on endodontic pain with clear comparisons of pre-treatment and post-treatment is extremely rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of Saudi population about RCT and its relation with pain and anxiety. Material and Methods: A sample of 76 patients were selected for this questionnaire based survey. Participants were asked to provide their response toward the endodontic treatment before and after the treatment. Pre-validated questionnaires consisted of demographic data, questions on anxiety, pain, and concerned about RCT. Descriptive statistics, independent, and paired t-tests were used to compare between pre-test and post-test score. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: In the present study, patient’s anxiety score was assessed which was found to be significantly decreased from pre-treatment 31.47 ± 28.90 to post-treatment 23.28 ± 25.95. Likewise, mean anticipated and experience of pain score were also significantly reduced pre-treatment 41.07 ± 29.35 to post-treatment 21.90 ± 24.50. Conclusion: Current study reported a significant difference in reduction of mean anxiety for RCT post-treatment. Moreover, there was significant difference found between anticipated pain and experienced pain for the treatment. Before the treatment significant number of patients was not concerned for RCT and majority of the patients were concerned for pain associated to RCT.