Reducing the anxiety of adults during dental avulsions with virtual reality: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Dental anxiety is a recurring problem in the daily life of oral surgeons. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of virtual reality (VR) during dental avulsions can reduce anxiety in adults. Methods: This was a single centre randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized into two groups (with and without VR). VR experience was realized with music and visualization of 3D landscape thanks to a head-mounted display. Patients completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory State (STAI-YA) and the Visual Analog anxiety Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention by transcribing the anxiety felt during this one. The main outcome was the evolution of STAI-YA score, a decrease of more than 8 points was sought. Secondary outcomes were studying the choice of the metric, defining the factors influencing the evolution of STAI-YA, studying side effects and the desire to repeat the experience. Results: 40% of patients in the VR group had a STAI-YA score reduced by more than 8 points between before and during the intervention compared to 20% in the control group. This result was significant (p = 0.026). VAS decreased by more than 2cm in 40% of patients in the VR group against 20% of patients in the control group. If a patient declared being afraid of the dentist, the VR seemed more efficient to reduce the anxiety. No side effects were observed, 96% of patients wanted to repeat the VR experience. Conclusion: VR appears to be effective in reducing the anxiety of adults during dental avulsions.

Keywords

• oral surgery
• virtual reality
• anxiety