World Journal of Dentistry

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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 12 ( December, 2024 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Enhancing Dental Visits for 6–12-year-old Children: Distraction Techniques for Anxiety and Pain Management

Prem S Chauhan, Krishna P Vellore, Mayuri Ganesh, Saigeeta Kondamadugu, Niharika Sowki, Ayesha Hafijullah

Keywords : Anxiety, Distraction techniques, Pain management, Vibratory stimulation, Virtual reality

Citation Information : Chauhan PS, Vellore KP, Ganesh M, Kondamadugu S, Sowki N, Hafijullah A. Enhancing Dental Visits for 6–12-year-old Children: Distraction Techniques for Anxiety and Pain Management. World J Dent 2024; 15 (12):1055-1060.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10015-2553

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 13-02-2025

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: The present research compared the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) distraction with vibratory stimulation as nonpharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety during dental procedures with local anesthesia in children aged 6–12 years. Materials and methods: A total of 123 children were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (control), group B (VR distraction), and group C (vibratory stimulation). Pain was assessed using the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, anxiety using Venham's Clinical Anxiety Rating Scale, and physiological parameters, including pulse rate, were recorded at key intervals. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), as appropriate. Results: Both VR distraction and vibratory stimulation significantly reduced pain scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Similarly, anxiety levels were significantly lower in the VR distraction and vibratory stimulation groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pain perception between the VR distraction and vibratory stimulation groups. Conclusion: VR distraction and vibratory stimulation using a modified electric toothbrush are effective nonpharmacological methods for managing pain and anxiety during pediatric dental procedures. These techniques offer safe, noninvasive options that can enhance the dental experience for children, potentially improving patient cooperation and attendance. Clinical significance: Pediatric dentists can improve children's dental experiences by utilizing VR and vibration as nonpharmacological pain management methods, reducing fear, enhancing treatment outcomes, and boosting patient attendance. These techniques are safe, noninvasive, and easy to implement, making them effective tools in pediatric dental practice.


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