Comparison of Smart and Virtual Reality Glasses in Reducing Anxiety and Pain during Administration of Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Aim and background: The technology called virtual reality (VR) and smart glasses with special sound-vibration technologies are used as an audiovisual distraction in the present study. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of smart and VR glasses in reducing anxiety and pain during the administration of local anesthesia (LA). Materials and methods: A total of 36 children aged 7–11 years from the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry were included in the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and the trial was registered in the trial registry of India. The children were randomly placed (block randomization method) into three groups: Group I (smart glasses for distraction), group II VR glasses, and group III tell-show-do (TSD) technique as control]. Children requiring LA for tooth extraction were selected. Anxiety was checked using the visual analog scale (VAS), and pulse rates were measured before and after anesthesia. During smart glasses use, calming instrumental music was played, while VR glasses showed cartoons on oral hygiene in Gujarati or Hindi, based on the child’s preference. Comparisons were made across all three groups. Results: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the groups (p-value < 0.05). All groups showed a notable decrease in VAS scores and pulse rates posttreatment. Group I demonstrated the most significant reduction, followed by groups II and III. Conclusion: Smart glasses were more effective in decreasing anxiety and pain during the administration of LA than VR glasses and the conventional TSD technique.