The Problem of Pain in Conservative Dentistry

Abstract

The greatest deterrent to people requiring conservative dentistry is the fear of pain. An anxiety state following previous unpleasant experience or listening to the larger-than-life experiences of others, can produce a psychogenic overlay which increases apprehension and magnifies the intensity of the slightest discomfort until it becomes synonymous with pain. Simultaneously we must take into account the pain threshold, which not only varies markedly from person to person but varies in the individual from year to year and even at different times of the day, depending on their mental and physical condition; for example, it is well documented that soldiers may be severely wounded in the heat of battle and yet be unaware of pain, while some people may faint from the pain if they prick their finger.