FEAR AND ANXIET IN THE FACE OF ENDODONTIC: TREATMENT A LITERATURE REVIW

Abstract

This study addresses the impact of fear and anxiety on endodontic treatment, highlighting how these emotions directly influence patients' decisions to seek or avoid dental care. Anxiety, often associated with negative expectations, and fear generated by previous experiences or reports from third parties, are factors that contribute to avoiding dental appointments, especially when it comes to root canal treatment, considered one of the most feared procedures. Thus, this study aims to review the impacts of fear and anxiety on endodontic treatment, as well as to evaluate the associated dysfunctional feelings and identify possible management strategies. To carry out this research, an investigation of the existing literature on the subject was carried out. Articles published in conference proceedings and scientific journals that addressed these disorders related to endodontic treatment were used. The sources consulted included the search platforms PubMed, Google Scholar, Scielo and Scopus. The review shows that the success of endodontic treatment depends, in addition to the technique, on the dentist's ability to identify and manage the patient's emotions, adapting strategies according to the individual profile. The professional must promote safety, explain the procedure and adopt effective measures to minimize fear and anxiety, contributing to a more peaceful and efficient treatment.