Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Managing Preoperative Anxiety in the Context of Odontectomy: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Preoperative anxiety is a common issue among patients undergoing third-molar surgery, significantly impacting physiological stability, surgical outcomes, and recovery, highlighting the need for effective non-pharmacological interventions. This systematic review was performed to delineate the current literature regarding non-pharmacological interventions aimed at alleviating preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing an odontectomy. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed across major databases, including Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published between 2011 and 2026. The inclusion criteria comprised original research, reviews, and clinical trials focused on non-pharmacological approaches to alleviating anxiety in patients undergoing an odontectomy. Results: A total of 28 studies were found via an electronic search. After screening, 11 studies were eligible for systematic review. This study demonstrates that preoperative anxiety is common in odontectomies, impacting both psychological and physiological stability. Instruments such as VAS, STAI, and MDAS demonstrate elevated anxiety levels prior to surgical procedures. This anxiety induces physiological responses that affect stability. Music therapy effectively lowers anxiety, as indicated by reduced VAS scores (F = 4.226, p < 0.05) and improved emotional well-being and parasympathetic activity. Conclusions: This review highlights both subjective and objective instruments for measuring anxiety as well as non-pharmacological approaches to mitigating preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing an odontectomy. While non-pharmacological interventions show potential, there is a lack of protocols and specific evidence, highlighting the need for integrated, culturally adapted strategies and regular anxiety screening.