title: Evaluation of dental anxiety in patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery with laser treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety in patients undergoing apicectomy procedures performed with conventional instruments or an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-eight patients undergoing apicectomy were divided into two groups; roots were removed with an Er:YAG laser in group A (n=14) and with conventional instruments in group B (n=14). All patients completed preoperative State-Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI) and postoperative questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although state anxiety, trait anxiety, and postoperative questionnaire scores were lower in patients undergoing Er:YAG laser treatment than in those treated with conventional instruments, the differences were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical instruments affect the anxiety levels of dental patients. Even with the STAI scores being lower for patients treated with Er:YAG, use of the Er:YAG laser alone cannot contribute to the resolution of dental anxiety. A patient's individual condition is the major factor influencing that patient's anxiety level.
authors.affiliation: Dentistry Faculty, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Marmara University Marmara Üniversitesi Nişantaşı Kampusu, Büyük Çiftlik Sk. Nişantaşı /Şişli /İstanbul, Turkey. faysalugurlu@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Faysal
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ugurlu
authors.forename: Onur
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Cavus
authors.forename: Alper
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.forename: Cem B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Sener
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001047:Apicoectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology; D016854:Dental Anxiety; D003762:Dental Instruments; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires