Psychological stress reduction during dental procedures

J Dent Res. 1979 Apr;58(4):1347-51. doi: 10.1177/00220345790580040801.

Abstract

Behavioral methods of patient stress reduction during amalgam restorations were evaluated. Eighty adult patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups of 20 each: a control group, a relaxation group, a perceived control group, and an active distraction group. Both relaxation and distraction were found to be effective in reducing patient discomfort.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / physiopathology
  • Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Attention
  • Dental Care*
  • Dentist-Patient Relations
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Relaxation Therapy
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*