Self-reported dental anxiety and injection phobia among individuals with tattoos and piercings

Abstract

Injection phobia and dental anxiety can, in severe cases, lead to avoidance of necessary treatment. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate self-reported injection phobia and dental anxiety among individuals with tattoos and/or piercings. The Injection Phobia Scale-Anxiety (IPSA) short form and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaires were applied. Both the total IPSA and MDAS scores were significantly higher for individuals with tattoos in comparison with a control group (P < 0.001), suggesting a need for anxiety-reducing measures and facilitated treatment for this group of patients.