Historical antecedents of dental anxiety

Dental anxiety and trait anxiety: an investigation of their relationship

“…1,2 Several factors have been implicated in the aetiology of dental anxiety, including congenital determinants, 3 trauma 4,5 and negative experiences of family and friends. [4][5][6] Some studies have shown an association between dental anxiety and general fears and anxiety, neuroticism and general psychological distress. 7,8 According to Klages et al 9 dental patients with elevated anxiety are especially prone to exaggerate pain expectations when the anticipated challenge situation is perceived as fear relevant.…”

Clinical evaluation of a chemomechanical method for caries removal in children and adolescents

“…caries removal with burs and application of a local anesthetic, were very unpleasant. Scott et al [14] estimated that about 80% of the population experienced some degree of dental anxiety. Dental procedures that patients fear the most are drilling, application of a local anesthetic, and tooth extraction [15].…”

The effect of pre-treatment enquiries on child dental patient's post-treatment ratings of pain and anxiety

“…Highly anxious patients reported more intense dental traumas with previous dentists (Scott et al, 1984).…”