Effect of Distraction by Using Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety During the Dental Procedure

Abdullah Ali Alqahtani, Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Kiran Kumar Ganji

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Objectives Given that dental anxiety can significantly impact patient co-operation and treatment outcomes, it is crucial to implement effective strategies to alleviate this anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VR as a distraction tool on pain and anxiety stages in pediatric patients who are undergoing rou-tine dental treatments. Methods 60 pediatric patients aged 7 to 10 requiring pediatric dental therapy had been divided into two groups: an experimental group that applied virtual truth (VR) as a distraction device and a control group that obtained traditional care. Data on Anxiety and Pain tiers were collected using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) and the Wong-Bak-er Faces Pain Rating Scale earlier than and after the dental techniques. Statistical analyses have been accomplished to examine the effects among the two groups, focusing on differences in anxiety and pain levels. Results At baseline, Group A’s mean anxiety score was 4.12 ± 0.28; it reduced significantly to 1.89 ± 0.58 post-operatively, therefore displaying a 54% reduction. Pain levels were clear-ly improved as evaluations for the control group (Group B) fell from a baseline of 5.56 ± 0.48 to 1.10 ± 1.28 in Group A. The significantly significant (p < 0.001) differences in anxiety and pain measurements among the groups highlight how well Virtual Reality provides a diversion during dental treat-ment. Conclusions: The findings of this research show that using virtual reality as a distraction method helps children patients’ pain and anxiety levels to be considerably lowered during dental treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)285-292
Number of pages8
JournalBangladesh Journal of Medical Science
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 7 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Dental Anxiety
  • Distraction Techniques
  • Pain Management
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Virtual Reality (VR)

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