What is the nocebo effect and does it apply to dentistry? : A narrative review

• Evidence for the nocebo effect, a phenomenon characterised by suboptimal treatment efficacy, worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of adverse events caused by an individual's negative treatment expectations, is growing across a multitude of medical fields. Within dentistry, little attention has been paid to patients' negative expectations, despite a number of studies supporting the influence of related factors, such as dental fear and anxiety, on the severity of peri- and post-operative dental pain. Only recently, a small number of commentaries and letters have emerged, urging dentists to recognise the possible existence of nocebo effects in dentistry and its implications for patient care. The present review summarises essential evidence of the nocebo phenomenon especially in relation to pain and drug administration. Subsequently, an overview of the current evidence of the nocebo phenomenon in the dental field is presented. Finally, based on the general knowledge of the nocebo effect, the review indicates fruitful arrays of research into the nocebo effect in dentistry.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Dentistry

Long Term Adverse Effects

Nocebo effect

Oral

Pain

Professional-Patient Relations

Surgery

Publication and Content Type

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