Date of Graduation
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Daniel W. McNeil
Committee Chair
Daniel W. McNeil
Abstract
Salivary cortisol levels were evaluated along with fear and pain ratings at three points during root canal therapy to determine whether informational videotapes could affect responsivity. Sixty-three emergency and routine root canal patients participated. Informed consent first was obtained and salivary samples collected. Individuals were then asked to rate fear and pain based on a numeric rating scale. This procedure was repeated after cleaning and shaping the root canal system and at the conclusion of treatment. Results indicated that root canal therapy increased cortisol levels regardless of the type of videotape. Pain increased during the procedure, but then declined markedly at the end. Fear levels suggested the possibility that immediately prior to root canal therapy, a distracting videotape may be the most beneficial.
Recommended Citation
Gochenour, Lori L., "Cortisol responsivity: Association with fear and pain related to root canal therapy." (2003). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10729.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10729