The goal of this study is to evaluate non-drug approaches to reducing dental anxiety prior to non-surgical root canal treatment. This will be done by comparing two relaxation methods which will be performed immediately prior to scheduled, clinical non-surgical root canal treatment. Measures of anxiety will be evaluated prior to, and after, the relaxation intervention, as well as after the non-surgical root canal treatment is completed. Participation in the study is completed in a single study visit.
Fifty-eight participants who needed non-surgical root canal treatment were randomly assigned into 2 groups of ABR and VRR. One group received earphones to listen to a guided brief relaxation recording, focusing on a body scan of tense points with diaphragmatic breathing. The other group received Meta 2 virtual reality headsets to listen and watch a 360 inclusive and integrative experience of ambient music, high resolution graphic illustrations and immersive scenery. Participants self-reported levels of anxiety were assessed prior to and post treatment by conducting evaluations using the State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI-State \& Trait) and the use of both a self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as well as by assessing objective secondary biometrics of anxiety of heart rate (HR) and Blood Pressure (BP) pre intervention, post intervention and following treatment completion.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Participants randomized to this arm will receive earphones to listen to an 8 minute guided brief relaxation recording, focusing on breathing and a body scan. Participants will listen to the recording prior to their dental procedure.
Participants randomized to this arm will receive will receive virtual reality goggles and choose a scene of their liking to experience. Participants will choose from 11 different themed environments (such as savannah, beach, meadow, or space), and will experience the chosen virtual reality environment for 8 minutes. Participants will complete the virtual reality intervention prior to their dental procedure.
Indiana University, School of Dentistry
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State Sub-scale (STAI-S) Score at the End of the Appointment
STAI-S is a 20 item sub-scale questionnaire which measures subjective self-reported feelings of state anxiety. Responses for each item include four possible responses that range from "very much" to "not at all" and which correlate to a numerical value. Scores range from 20 to 80. A score of 45-80 indicates "high anxiety": 38-44 indicate "moderate anxiety": 20-37 indicate low or no anxiety.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline
Visual Analog Score (VAS) at the End of the Appointment
The VAS will be a single question in which the participant is asked to assign and report a numerical value to the amount of anxiety one is feeling in the moment. It consists of a 10 point scale, with one symbolizing no anxiety and 10 symbolizing unbearable anxiety.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) at the End of the Appointment
BP will be measured three times during the single study visit: at enrollment (prior to the assigned relaxation intervention), at the end of the assigned relaxation intervention, and at the end of the appointment.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline
Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) at the End of the Appointment
BP will be measured three times during the single study visit: at enrollment (prior to the assigned relaxation intervention), at the end of the assigned relaxation intervention, and at the end of the appointment.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline
Heart Rate (HR) at the End of the Appointment
HR will be measured three times during the single study visit: at enrollment (prior to the assigned relaxation intervention), at the end of the assigned relaxation intervention, and at the end of the appointment.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait Sub-scale (STAI-T) Score at the End of the Appointment
STAI-T is a 20 item sub-scale questionnaire which measures subjective self-reported feelings of trait anxiety. Responses for each item include four possible responses that range from "not at all" to "very much" and which correlate to a numerical value. Scores range from 20 to 80. A score of 45-80 indicates "high anxiety": 38-44 indicate "moderate anxiety": 20-37 indicate low or no anxiety.
Time frame: End of the appointment, approximately 90+ minutes after baseline