Sefa ÇOLAK, Yunus BALEL, Göksal KELDAL
Archives of Current Medical Research - 2026;7(2):356-364
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four different ambient sounds in the waiting room before impacted third molar surgery on patients' preoperative anxiety levels and postoperative pain intensity. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial involved four study groups: Group 1 (silent group) - patients waited in a soundproof room; Group 2 (clinical noise group) - patients were exposed to typical clinic sounds; Group 3 (white noise group); and Group 4 (classical music group). Preoperative anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Postoperative pain levels on the third day were evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale. Results: A total of 198 participants [Group 1: 46 (23.2%), Group 2: 51 (25.8%), Group 3: 49 (24.7%), Group 4: 52 (26.3%)] were included in the study. The sample consisted of 141 women (mean age: 23.51 +/- 6.02 years) and 57 men (mean age: 24.47 +/- 5.58 years). On the third postoperative day, the mean pain score was significantly higher in women (2.55 +/- 1.88) compared to men (1.75 +/- 2.13) (p < 0.005). A statistically significant difference was also observed among the groups in terms of postoperative third-day pain scores (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The study demonstrated significant differences in postoperative pain scores among the groups. Gender-based differences were observed in preoperative anxiety scores, with women reporting higher anxiety levels. However, no significant differences were found between the groups regarding preoperative anxiety scores.
