ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety (DA) in patients with cardiovascular diseases before tooth extraction so as to provide psychotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>144 patients with cardiovascular diseases were asked to complete a questionnaire modified from Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) while awaiting for tooth extraction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of DA in these patients was 7.6%. Anxiety level on anesthesia procedure was the highest. DAS score was higher among patients with the following factors: inactive perception, female, below 60 years old, experiences of painful tooth extraction, a documented history of single cardiovascular disease, under ECG monitoring for the first time and complicated tooth extraction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DA existed in patients with cardiovascular diseases before tooth extraction and was related to many factors. Medical staff should take necessary measures to provide them with psychotherapy and nursing guidance before tooth extraction.</p>