The Effect of Different Sounds in the Waiting Room on Anxiety Levels Before Impacted Wisdom Teeth Surgery and Postoperative Pain Levels

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four different ambient sounds in the waiting room before impact-ed 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. Gen-der-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.