Effectiveness of Two Types of Distraction Techniques in the Management of Pain and Anxiety during Dental Treatment in 6-9-year-old Children.

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of distraction with virtual reality (VR) distraction devices in comparison with mobile phone video games in the management of pain and anxiety during dental treatment in 6-9-year-old children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was a comparative observational study. A total of 33 children aged 6-9 years who reported to the department for their first dental visit were selected and the subjects were divided into three groups. Group I patients were in a normal clinical environment without any distractions. Group II patients were given mobile phone video games. Group III patients were given a VR distraction device as a means of distraction.The anxiety levels of patients before treatment, after using a distraction device preoperatively, during local anesthesia injection, and after dental treatment were assessed. Pain after local anesthesia injection in each group was assessed. The easability of handling the patient and carrying out the procedure was assessed using a questionnaire. All data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed when compared to the children in groups I and II, children in group III obtained significantly lower anxiety scores after treatment, and they also reported significantly decreased pain perception during dental treatment ( < 0.001). The pain while administering local anesthesia was greater for the control group and lowest for the VR group. It was observed that VR group patients were easier to handle and easier to carry out procedures than those in the mobile phone group.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality distraction is an effective distraction technique for reducing pain and anxiety in children during various treatment procedures.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Virtual reality distraction can be used effectively in clinics.It is a patient-friendly technique and is more comfortable for both patients and dentists during treatment.It does not require any previous education and training and has a positive impact on memories of the treatment, leading to behavior modification.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Chandran LS, Issac JS, Girija P, Effectiveness of Two Types of Distraction Techniques in the Management of Pain and Anxiety during Dental Treatment in 6-9-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):291-296.