Resumo

BAEDER, Fernando Martins; BACCI, José Eduardo; SILVA, Daniel Furtado  e  SILVA, Paulo Henrique Lopes da. Patient awareness on the use of benzodiazepines for anxiety control in Dentistry. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2016, vol.70, n.3, pp. 333-337. ISSN 0004-5276.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient awareness on the use of conscious sedation with benzodiazepines and their acceptance for the control of fear, pain and anxiety during dental treatment. Method: this research was based on quantitative analysis with a descriptive approach through data gathering, conducted by the researcher, in order to ensure uniformity in the interpretation of the results originated from the questionnaires. Patients were informed of the questionnaire prior to treatment and then, invited to participate in the study. At this moment, appropriate information was provided to the responsible party about the purpose of the questionnaires including its confidentiality. Data were analyzed by means of tables contrasting the socio-economic status of 150 patients, selected equally between classes A/B, C and D/E. The correlation between socio-economic status and the answers to the questions were evaluated by Fisher's exact test. Results: Answers to Question 1, regarding patients first visit to the dentist, showed that all patients from Class A/B have been seen by a dentist before, against 86% of class C and 94% of Class D/E. Question 2 addressed vital signs during anamnesis. 40% of dental surgeons who treated patients from class A/B assessed vital signs, against only 20% of dentists who treated patients from class C, D and E. Questions 3, 4 and 5 (regarding fear, diseases and addictions) showed equal distribution between all classes. Finally, questions 6 and 7, addressing the use of anxiolytics, highlighted the highest frequency in Class A/B, which was double of that from Class C. From a total of 7 questions the answers to, 4 showed significant correlation with socio-economic status. Conclusion: classes A/B have more acceptance and awareness about the use of benzodiazepines for the control of the fear and anxiety in dentistry. The poorer classes have had less (or no) access to dental treatment. Class A / B have had the most access to resources related to dental expertise. In addition, there has been significant reduction of fear related to dental treatment.

Palavras-chave : anxiety; dental care; conscious sedation..