Dental anxiety before removal of a third molar and association with general trait anxiety

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate dental anxiety in patients consulting for third molar removal, and to assess possible relationships with general trait anxiety. Materials and Methods: Dental anxiety was measured using Corah's Anxiety Scale (DAS), the Dental Fear Survey (DFS), and the state anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Trait anxiety was measured with the trait anxiety scale of the STAI. Results: Trait anxiety showed significant positive correlations with both DAS score and DFS score. The 3 measures of dental anxiety all showed significant positive correlations with each other. The difference between men and women was only statistically significant in the case of trait anxiety. Conclusion: These results suggest that trait anxiety may be a useful predictor of a patient's predisposition to dental anxiety. (c) 2006 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.