Virtual Reality for Dental Anxiety
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using VR for dental anxiety, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.
What data supports the idea that Virtual Reality for Dental Anxiety is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that Virtual Reality (VR) is effective in reducing dental anxiety. One study found that 65% of patients undergoing dental extractions found VR to be extremely or quite beneficial in reducing anxiety, with 87.5% wanting to use VR again. Another study suggests that VR is more effective than watching television for distraction during dental procedures. Additionally, VR has been shown to reduce anxiety and pain in oral surgery, although more studies are needed to confirm these findings. Overall, VR appears to be a promising tool for managing dental anxiety.12345
What safety data exists for using virtual reality to treat dental anxiety?
The studies reviewed indicate that virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for reducing dental anxiety and pain. VR has been used effectively as a distraction technique during dental procedures, showing positive outcomes in both subjective measures (like self-reported anxiety and pain) and objective measures (such as heart rate). The research suggests VR is safe and beneficial for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, including pediatric patients. However, specific safety data or adverse effects are not detailed in the provided abstracts.12367
Is Virtual Reality Distraction a promising treatment for dental anxiety?
Yes, Virtual Reality Distraction is a promising treatment for dental anxiety. Research shows that it can help reduce anxiety and pain during dental procedures. Many patients find it beneficial, and it is especially helpful for young adults and those with moderate anxiety. Virtual Reality offers a fun and engaging way to distract patients, making dental visits less stressful.45689
What is the purpose of this trial?
The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to verify the efficacy of VR immersion over a muted cartoon on a wall-mounted TV to decrease dental fear and anxiety of children undergoing dental procedures. The study also aims to gain insight on the satisfaction of parents and healthcare providers on the use of VR during dental appointments.Main research question: Does VR immersion compare to a cartoon on a wall-mounted TV is more efficacious to decrease dental fear and anxiety of children requiring dental procedures?Participants will be playing through a VR immersive game wearing a eye-tracking VR headset that requires no movement of the head to play, facilitating the dental procedure.The investigators will take measures of the stress levels of participants and their parents using a validated stress scale and also by taking salivary samples to verify the levels of a stress biomarker (alpha-amylase).
Research Team
Sylvie Le May, PhD
Principal Investigator
St. Justine's Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children who experience dental fear and anxiety when facing dental procedures. To join, they must have a condition related to oral health or have suffered a traumatic dental injury. Children with certain medical conditions that could interfere with the study or those who cannot use VR due to other reasons are not eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo dental procedures with either VR immersion or watching a muted cartoon on a wall-mounted TV to assess anxiety reduction
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for satisfaction and physiological parameters immediately after the dental procedure
Data Collection and Analysis
Data on anxiety levels, satisfaction, and physiological parameters are collected and analyzed
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Virtual Reality Distraction
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
St. Justine's Hospital
Lead Sponsor