A new study published in the March issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS), the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), finds that while social media does provide professional, authoritative content produced by experts, many platforms also contain unverified personal experiences of previous patients, which can increase anxiety levels in potential patients.
The study analyzed data from 162 patients who underwent wisdom tooth (third molar) extraction surgery at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry at Cukurova University in Turkey in 2021 and 2022, and assessed patients’ anxiety levels using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
The researchers found that patients who viewed random, unreviewed videos had higher levels of anxiety than those who were not exposed to social media. The authors say that increased patient anxiety can negatively impact the overall treatment process, potentially leading to delays, longer surgery times, increased costs, and decreased patient cooperation.
The researchers recommend:
Limiting social media use: Patients limiting their use of social media before third molar surgery may help reduce anxiety. If they see disturbing content, discussing it with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) before surgery can help the OMS develop appropriate anxiety-reducing measures.
Proactive OMS Role: OMS should ask patients about their social media use and educate them on how online content can affect their anxiety.
As the leading organization for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, AAOMS offers expertly selected videos, podcasts, and infographics and literature to help patients discuss their concerns with their OMS.
The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, published by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, provides comprehensive information to the dental and medical communities on new techniques, important developments, and innovative ideas in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Practical articles contribute to the development of methods for managing dentoalveolar surgery, facial injuries and deformities, temporomandibular joint disorders, oral and head and neck cancers, jaw reconstruction, anesthesia, and analgesia. The journal also includes specific information on new instruments and diagnostic devices, as well as modern therapeutic drugs and devices.
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