Teen Anxiety: Anesthetic Injections Revealed as Top Stressor

SWEDEN: A pioneering study conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has shed light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of adolescent dental care: the hidden stress experienced by teenage patients during dental procedures. The findings, presented at the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) congress in Gothenburg, reveal that anesthetic injections are the most significant source of stress for young patients undergoing invasive dental treatments.

Monitoring the Unspoken: A New Approach to Patient Comfort

Led by Larisa Krekmanova, a researcher in paediatric dentistry at Sahlgrenska Academy, the study aimed to give voice to the silent struggles of young dental patients. “Child and adolescent patients aren’t always able or confident enough to convey negative experiences during dental treatment,” Krekmanova noted. This recognition drove the team to develop innovative methods for uncovering what they term “silent stress”.

The researchers utilised wearable technology to monitor hand movements and sweating—indicators of stress—in 34 patients aged 14-16 years. These patients were undergoing either routine dental examinations or invasive procedures involving anesthetic injections and tooth extractions for orthodontic purposes.

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Anesthetic Injection: The Peak of Patient Anxiety

The data collected painted a clear picture: while routine examinations caused only scattered stress spikes, invasive treatments led to prolonged periods of significant stress. Most notably, stress levels skyrocketed when local anesthetic was administered.

“We now have a picture of the stress caused by these various interventions,” said Claudia Jaldin, a dentist involved in the study. “Moving forward, the ability to use the device in real time would help practitioners to monitor stress levels, and to perhaps pause for remedial measures before continuing treatment.”

Beyond Fear: Implications for Preventive Care

This research not only highlights the need for greater sensitivity in dental practices but also emphasises the importance of preventive measures in managing dental anxiety. Krekmanova articulated the core aim of the study: “We want to uncover this silent stress, a type of stress that’s difficult to detect and can remain hidden. This research aims to increase practitioners’ sensitivity and raise patient voices.”

The findings suggest that dental professionals should be particularly attentive during the administration of anesthetics, as this is when patients experience peak stress levels. Additionally, the study underscores the value of developing strategies to mitigate anxiety before it escalates to critical levels.

The study’s innovative use of technology, adapted from the world of sports, opens new avenues for patient-centred care. Christian Jonasson, a researcher specialised in sensor systems at Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), was responsible for the technical application in the study. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the potential for cross-sector collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges.

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Call for Empathetic Dentistry

As dental practitioners gather at the EAPD congress, the University of Gothenburg’s study serves as a poignant reminder of the congress’s central theme: treating children with sensitivity. By quantifying the stress experienced by young patients, the research provides an evidence-based impetus for developing more empathetic and responsive dental care practices.

The message is clear: in the realm of paediatric dentistry, addressing the unseen emotional needs of patients is just as crucial as treating their visible dental issues. As Krekmanova succinctly puts it, “Within dental care, when it comes to fear and pain, it’s important to work preventively with children and adolescents.”