Debankur Roy
We aimed to describe the behavior of children during tooth extraction appointments, compare it to their behavior in preceding and subsequent dental appointments, and assess the behavioral differences according to gender, age, type of dentition, socio-economic status and reason for extraction. This was a study based on information obtained from records of children between 6 and 14 years of age who were cared at the Dental clinics in Kolkata, Howrah city (INDIA). Child behavior was assessed during the dental appointment that preceded the tooth extraction, during the tooth extraction appointment, and in the subsequent dental appointment using the Venham’s Behavior Rating Scale (0-4).Results were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square. 30 children were included from the clinics. Cooperative behavior prevailed in all the dental appointments. The prevalence of "mild/intense protest" was higher in the tooth extraction appointments than in the previous or subsequent dental appointments depending on socio-economic status of patients and age factor. No significant differences in behavior were detected between the type of dentition (primary or permanent teeth), reason for extraction or gender. In general cooperative behavior prevailed in the present sample and a low prevalence of uncooperative behavior was observed during tooth extraction. Despite this fact there was an increase in uncooperative behavior during tooth extraction procedures appointments compared to previous dental appointments. There is strong association between procedure including tooth extraction and too much invasive procedure including tooth extraction. Tooth extraction may cause anxiety during treatment because of possibilities of forceful or painful removal of tooth, thus resulting in adverse behavior and raising protest from the child. The dental procedure may also represent a feeling of loss suggesting a “psychological insult” to the child. The changes in behavior during tooth extraction is associated with sensational of local anesthesia.
