PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AND RECOVERY IN IMPLANT PATIENTS
Keywords:
Dental implants, postoperative pain, psychological factors, anxiety, stress response, recovery, patient satisfactionAbstract
Postoperative pain and recovery following dental implant surgery are influenced not only by surgical technique and physiological factors but also by the patient’s psychological state. Anxiety, fear, and stress can significantly affect pain perception, wound healing, and overall rehabilitation outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between psychological factors and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing dental implantation. A total of 70 adult patients were assessed preoperatively using validated anxiety and stress scales, while postoperative pain levels were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days. Heart rate, blood pressure, and salivary cortisol levels were monitored as physiological stress indicators. Findings revealed that higher preoperative anxiety and stress levels were associated with increased postoperative pain, delayed functional recovery, and lower patient satisfaction. Early psychological assessment and implementation of stress-reducing interventions, including patient counseling and relaxation techniques, were shown to improve recovery outcomes and enhance overall treatment experience. These results underscore the importance of integrating psychophysiological evaluation into standard preoperative protocols for dental implant patients.
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