Impact of restorative treatment for symptomatic deep dentin caries on anxiety: the role of personality traits.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of restorative treatment for deep dentin caries on patients' pain, state-trait anxiety, and mood, and to explore how these outcomes are associated with personality traits.

Methods: This prospective clinical study included 67 participants (45 female, 22 male; mean age = 30.1 ± 13.2 years) presenting with symptomatic deep dentin caries. State and trait anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S, STAI-T), and personality traits were evaluated using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-44). Pain and mood were measured using Visual Analog Scales (VAS-DP, VAS-M) before treatment and at three weeks post-treatment. All participants received indirect pulp capping and/or direct composite restorations. Independent-samples t-tests, Paired-samples t-tests, correlation and simple linear regression analyses were used to assess changes and relationships among variables.

Results: A statistically significant decrease was found in state anxiety (STAI-S), pain (VAS-DP), and mood disturbance (VAS-M) scores post-treatment (p < 0.05). Trait anxiety (STAI-T) did not change significantly. Individuals with high neuroticism displayed higher pre-treatment anxiety and pain levels, but also exhibited the greatest post-treatment improvement in mood and anxiety. Regression analyses indicated that neuroticism significantly predicted both state and trait anxiety (R² = 0.139 and R² = 0.255, respectively), while pre-treatment anxiety explained 12.7% of the variance in post-treatment state anxiety.

Conclusions: Restorative treatment of deep dentin caries significantly reduces patients' state anxiety, pain, and mood impairment, with the most marked improvements observed in individuals with neurotic personality traits.

Clinical significance: Restorative treatment for deep dentin caries not only reduces pain but also alleviates anxiety and improves mood. Considering personality traits, especially neuroticism, may enhance patient comfort and treatment satisfaction.