Objectives: The present study tested the effect of a separate consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon on levels of anxiety before third molar extraction.
Study design: Patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. Experimental subjects received standard information about third molar extraction in a separate consultation visit before the surgical procedure. Control subjects received the same information just before and at the same visit as the surgical third molar removal. All patients completed several questionnaires covering measures of anxiety and pain.
Results: Having a separate consultation was highly appreciated by patients. However, no subsequent differences could be shown on the measures of anxiety. Strong associations between anxiety level and pain felt after the extraction were found.
Conclusion: The practice of having a separate consultation (and possibly a more intensive one) should be considered by surgeons.