This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) as a distraction technique to reduce procedural pain and anxiety in children aged 6-10 undergoing primary tooth extraction. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either AR distraction via VR goggles or standard tell-show-do behavior management during local anesthesia administration and extraction.
Pain and anxiety are major challenges in pediatric dental care. AR presents an innovative, non-pharmacological technique to manage procedural distress. The study compares AR distraction versus conventional behavioral guidance in terms of self-reported pain (Wong-Baker FACES), dental anxiety (CFSS-DS), and physiological anxiety (heart rate monitoring). A double-blind design will ensure unbiased outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Participants in this group wore augmented reality (AR) goggles during local anesthesia administration and dental extraction. The AR system displayed interactive 3D animated videos (celestial bodies) to divert attention and reduce procedural pain and anxiety.
Children aged 6-10 years (both sexes, Egyptian ethnicity) received behavioral management using the Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique during primary anterior tooth extraction under local infiltration anesthesia. The clinician explained the procedure in child-friendly language (Tell), demonstrated instruments in a non-threatening manner (Show), and then performed the extraction (Do) without augmented reality or audiovisual distraction.
Assiut University
Asyut, Asyut Governorate, Egypt
Pain Score Using Wong-Baker FACES Scale
Pain was assessed immediately after local anesthesia injection using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. This validated pediatric pain scale consists of six facial expressions ranging from 0 ("No pain") to 10 ("Worst pain"). Children were asked to select the face that best represented their pain experience, which was then converted into a numeric score. Values are reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD)and were compared between study arms.
Time frame: Immediately after the dental extraction procedure.
1. Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale
Dental anxiety was assessed immediately post-procedure using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). The CFSS-DS is a validated 15-item questionnaire scored on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not afraid to 5 = very afraid; total range 15-75, higher scores = greater anxiety). Values were compared between study arms (Augmented Reality distraction vs. Standard Care)
Time frame: Immediately after the dental extraction procedure.
Heart Rate as Physiological Indicator of Anxiety
Heart rate was measured in beats per minute (bpm) using a finger pulse oximeter (CMS 50DL, China). Measurements were taken while the child was seated in the dental chair immediately post-procedure as a physiological indicator of anxiety. Values are reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The outcome was defined as the post-procedure heart rate value, compared between study arms.
Time frame: Immediately post-procedure
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