Aim: To compare the level of dental anxiety and pain perception following single and two-visit root surface debridement (RSD) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis who required RSD were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I—RSD with a single-visit (n = 15) and group II—RSD with two-visits (n = 15). Patients in group I received treatment in a single-visit, while those in group II received treatment over the course of two sessions separated by 1 week. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess postoperative pain perception, and a questionnaire was used to assess preoperative anxiety. Results: Both the single-and two-visit groups had statistically significant differences in pain perception and anxiety levels (p < 0.05). Within group II, there was a statistically significant difference in pain perception and anxiety levels between the visits. The mean anxiety levels and pain scores were reduced on the second-visit when compared with the first-visit in group II. The mean anxiety scores reduced from 16 to 8.2 and the mean pain scores reduced from 2.5 to 0.8 between two-visits (p < 0.05). Conclusion: From the above results, the present study concluded that the two-visits of RSD tend to make the procedure more comfortable, which lowered the anxiety level and pain perception. Clinical significance: Patients with two-visits to RSD have reduced anxiety levels. Thus, in the management of highly anxious patients, two-visits to RSD can help in lowering the anxiety levels and pain perception. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.