Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief During Tooth Extraction: A Clinical Study

Jim Crocker
15th May, 2024

Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief During Tooth Extraction: A Clinical Study

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the Federal University of Parana tested herbal remedies for dental anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction
  • Both Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. significantly reduced anxiety levels from before to after surgery
  • There was no significant change in surgical discomfort or vital signs across all groups
Dental anxiety is a significant issue affecting many individuals, leading to the avoidance of necessary dental care and increasing stress for both patients and dental professionals. Managing dental anxiety effectively is crucial for improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. A recent study conducted by the Federal University of Parana aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two herbal remedies, Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L., in controlling anxiety, surgical discomfort, and changes in vital signs in patients undergoing the extraction of two unilateral third molars[1]. This randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial involved 54 patients who were divided into three groups: one receiving Valeriana officinalis L., another receiving Passiflora incarnata L., and a control group receiving a placebo. Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) index, surgical discomfort was assessed via the QCirDental scale, and vital signs were monitored at three different times: before surgery (T0), during surgery (T1), and after surgery (T2). The results revealed that both Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. significantly reduced anxiety levels between T0 and T2, unlike the placebo group, which showed no significant change in anxiety levels. However, there was no observed change in surgical discomfort across all groups, and the results for vital signs varied. This study's findings are particularly relevant in the context of previous research on dental anxiety. For instance, dental anxiety is known to be prevalent among patients undergoing various dental procedures, and it can significantly impact pain perception and overall patient satisfaction[2]. The study on Chinese patients undergoing oral implant surgery found that high preoperative dental anxiety significantly influenced pain perception during the procedure[2]. Similarly, preoperative anxiety was found to be widespread among Turkish patients undergoing third molar extraction, with women and those without previous surgical experience exhibiting higher anxiety levels[3]. The current study adds to this body of knowledge by exploring the potential of phytotherapy (herbal medicine) as an alternative to traditional pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for managing dental anxiety. Traditional methods include behavior modification therapies, cognitive strategies, and pharmacological interventions such as sedation or general anesthesia[4]. While these methods are effective, they may not be suitable for all patients due to various reasons such as personal preferences, medical contraindications, or the intensity of the dental phobia. Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. are known for their calming properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. The study's findings suggest that these herbal remedies can effectively reduce anxiety in dental patients, offering a potential alternative for those who may not respond well to conventional treatments. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Federal University of Parana demonstrates that Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. can significantly reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing third molar extraction, providing an effective and natural alternative to traditional anxiety management methods in dental settings. This aligns with previous research on the prevalence and impact of dental anxiety, highlighting the importance of exploring diverse treatment options to address this common issue[2][3][4].

MedicineHealthMental Health

References

Main Study

1) Effects of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis in the control of anxiety due to tooth extraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Published 14th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-024-01259-6

Related Studies

2) A study on the prevalence of dental anxiety, pain perception, and their interrelationship in Chinese patients with oral implant surgery.

https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.12779

3) Anxiety and extraction of third molars in Turkish patients.

Journal: The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery, Issue: Vol 42, Issue 6, Dec 2004

4) Strategies to manage patients with dental anxiety and dental phobia: literature review.

https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S63626


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙