Effect of Two Distraction Techniques on Children’s Behaviour, Anxiety and Pain in the Dental Setting

Abstract

Aim: the aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of using virtual reality (VR) eyeglasses on anxiety and pain perception during pulp therapy treatment in pediatric patients. Methodology: 60 children, aged 4-6 years who were planned to receive vital pulp therapy (pulpotomy) in the mandibular primary molars were randomly divided into two equal groups (30 child per group); an experimental group (non-pharmacological behavior management and VR were used) and a control group (non-pharmacological behavior management was used). The behavior and anxiety of each child were recorded during dental examination, during and after treatment using Frankl behavior rating scale and Venham picture test respectively. Pain perception was recorded using Wong Baker's face pain scale at end of treatment. Results: There were a significant improvement in the child behavior, pain perception and anxiety score (p < 0.05) with use of VR eyeglasses during dental treatment. Conclusion: Results of the current study demonstrated that VR eyeglasses could successfully decrease pain perception, anxiety and improve behavior during dental treatment.