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.