The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gamified virtual reality in reducing anxiety and pain during the extraction of lower first molars with MIH under local anaesthesia.
Dental anxiety can be tiggered by previous negative experiences, fear of pain, or loss of control, leading to avoidance of dental treatments and worsening oral health. To alleviate anxiety, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures are applied, including distraction as a cognitive-behavioral approach. One innovative method of distraction is gamification, which involves the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to redirect patients' focus to something relaxing instead of the treatment itself. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of gamified virtual reality in reducing anxiety and pain during the extraction of molar-incisal hypomineralization (MIH) affected lower first molars under local anaesthesia. In prospective study, gamified virtual reality was applied during the extraction of lower first molars in 56 subjects using the split-mouth method. Through VR goggles, patients were immersed in a virtual video game world to distract them from the dental procedure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
56
Extraction of MIH Grade 4 molar
Faculty od Medical Sciences University of Kragujevac
Kragujevac, Serbia
Face Scale
We used the Wong-Baker Face Scale to assess pain, which allows patients to visually describe their level of pain. This scale consists of six faces with different expressions, ranging from a face showing no pain to a face representing the worst possible pain. This method of assessment is particularly useful for children. Pain was recorded during the administration of anaesthesia and during the tooth extraction procedure
Time frame: 1 day
Heart rate
Additionally, heart rate was monitored to assess the patient's physiological response to stress and pain during the procedure. Heart rate was recorded during anaesthesia administration and during the procedure using a smartwatch that allows continuous heart rate tracking (Samsung Galaxy Watch). This type of measurement provides additional information on how the patient responds to pain and stress, enabling the dentist to adjust their approach according to the patient's physiological response.
Time frame: 1 day
Satisfaction questionnaire
After the extraction procedure with VR application, patients filled out a modified satisfaction questionnaire. Responses were classified based on a 5-point Likert scale: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree. The post-clinical questionnaire included questions related to reduction of fear of anaesthesia and extraction, effectiveness of VR in diverting attention from the procedure, experience of discomfort during the procedure, enjoyment of the VR experience, and the potential of VR in overcoming fear of other procedures.
Time frame: 1 day
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.