Preparation for oral surgery: Evaluating elements of coping

Abstract

Third-molar extraction patients (N = 231) underwent one of five preparatory interventions offering different levels of relaxation, control, and self-efficacy to evaluate the relative importance of each of these elements of coping in the context of an acute stressor. Prior to surgery subjects completed measures of monitoring and blunting. Results indicated that relaxation, perceived control, and self-efficacy were each significant, and roughly equivalent, contributors to coping, and operated in an additive way. Intervention type, and the interaction of intervention type with blunting score, significantly predicted distress prior to and during surgery. It was concluded that no single element is crucial to effective coping and that interventions that provide more coping elements are generally superior. Additionally, the interaction of coping style with intervention is as strong a contributor to coping outcome as the other factors. Those who prefer to distract themselves may benefit most from interventions that require the least possible personal investment of effort and attention.

Study Comparing Midazolam and Nitrous Oxide in Dental Anxiety Control

“…9 In this study, the Corah scale was used, by which it has been found that the patients participating in the research had moderate dental anxiety, evidenced at the first dental visit, and that both sedation methods used have generated transoperative anxiety grade reduction at both surgical procedures performed. Regardless of the sedation method used, decreased anxiety grade from the first to the second surgery has occurred, being statistically significant when sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen was used at the first surgical intervention.…”

Psychological preparation for patients undergoing day surgery

“…Other studies have likewise indicated more favourable outcomes result from an increase in health control, as it has been positively associated with a reduction in the level of stress (Richert 1981, Mahler and Kulik 1990, Ludwick-Rosenthal and Neufeld 1993, Kugler et al 1994a, Litt et al 1995. Mahler and Kulik (1990) studied 75 males who were undergoing heart surgery, 85% of whom expressed responsibility for their own recovery.…”

“…In a study by Litt et al (1995) 231 patients undergoing dental extraction under local anaesthesia were studied. Participants were divided into four groups and given slightly differing methods of preparation i.e.…”

“…The level of self-efficacy was determined by totalling the numerical value of the respondent's choice. Again, numerous studies have demonstrated how appraisals of self-efficacy can be influenced by external manipulation , Cozzarelli 1993, Litt et al 1995. This may be a highly relevant issue within the modern surgical environment as a great deal of preparation and recovery occurs at home.…”

“…For example, Mills and Krantz (1979) stated healthcare control need only be minor or `real or perceived` as positive appraisals of control were gained when providing blood donors with a simple choice of which arm to use during the procedure. Additionally, Litt et al (1995) illustrated that mere verbal persuasion or the patient being falsely informed of their skilful ability to relax could enhance self-efficacy appraisal.…”