Prevalence and Predictors of Peri-Extraction Anxiety: A Quantitative Assessment

Background: Dental anxiety is a widespread issue that discourages individuals from seeking dental care. This study assessed its prevalence and associated factors, including demographics, dental visit frequency, pain expectations, and prior experiences. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; from August 2023 to November 2023. Materials and Methods: A total of 613 participants completed a validated questionnaire to measure anxiety levels. Logistic regression identified predictors of high dental anxiety. Results: Overall, 27.4% of participants experienced high dental anxiety, 37.5% moderate, and 35.1% low. Females (65.5%) and younger individuals (≤25 years, 23.8%) were more likely to report high anxiety (p < 0.05). First-time tooth extraction was strongly associated with elevated anxiety (43.5%, p = 0.004). Prior dental anxiety emerged as the strongest predictor, with 71.4% of highly anxious individuals reporting earlier episodes (p < 0.001). Infrequent dental visits correlated with higher anxiety, as 58.3% of those with high anxiety only visited when necessary (p < 0.001). Severe pain expectation also showed a strong association with anxiety (OR = 2.81, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed gender, age, extraction history, visit frequency, and pain expectation as significant predictors. Conclusion: Dental anxiety is shaped by multiple factors, with previous anxiety, irregular dental visits, and high pain expectations being the most critical. Targeted strategies such as early interventions, promoting regular check-ups, and patient education on pain management may help reduce anxiety and improve oral health behaviors.