Comparing Traditional Behavior Management and AI-Assisted Communication for Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children Aged 7 to 12 Undergoing Local Anesthesia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how traditional behavior management techniques compare to AI-assisted child-friendly communication in reducing dental anxiety, physiological stress, and pain perception during local anesthesia in healthy children aged 6 to 12 years. The study focuses on children undergoing dental procedures requiring inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia and aims to improve pediatric dental treatment comfort and outcomes by integrating AI tools. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group using traditional techniques like Tell-Show-Do, voice control, and positive reinforcement, or an experimental group using AI-generated voice explanations and calming stories tailored to the childs age, gender, and developmental stage. The traditional procedure and AI-assisted communication both occur during a local anesthesia process not exceeding 5 minutes. Childrens heart rate and oxygen levels will be measured before, during, and after anesthesia using a pulse oximeter. Anxiety will be assessed with various scales including the Venham Picture Test and Facial Image Scale, while pain perception will be measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Behaviors during anesthesia and cooperation levels will also be recorded. Both children and parents will complete questionnaires after treatment to evaluate attitudes toward AI communication. The total study participation includes these assessments and monitoring during the procedure.

Effect of AI-Supported Child-Friendly Communication on Dental Anxiety in Pediatric Patients