Impact of anxiety on the success of endodontic treatment: Strategies to improve the patient experience

Abstract

Endodontic treatment, commonly known as root canal treatment, can be a significant source of anxiety for many patients. Dental anxiety can negatively influence pain perception, patient satisfaction, and ultimately treatment success. The objective was to analyze the impact of anxiety on the success of endodontic treatment. This article reviews the literature on the impact of patient anxiety on endodontic treatment outcomes and proposes strategies to mitigate anxiety and improve the patient experience. The research is framed in a qualitative-quantitative methodological approach, with a bibliographic and descriptive design and association of variables. The sample used for the study was non-probabilistic for convenience; To collect the information, survey and interview techniques were used through a structured and semi-structured questionnaire, respectively, as an instrument. The common reasons for anxiety in endodontic treatment are 85% fear of pain, 36% lack of knowledge of the procedure, 65% negative previous experiences at the dentist, and 15% the sound of instruments. It was concluded that reducing anxiety through a combination of communication strategies, relaxation techniques and a comfortable environment is essential to improve the patient experience and increase the success of endodontic treatment. In cases of severe anxiety, a multidisciplinary approach with psychological support can optimize clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.