Evaluating Augmented Reality Glasses and Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Reduce Anxiety During Adult Dental Procedures

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether new audiovisual technologies can help reduce anxiety and stress in adult patients during dental procedures. This randomized controlled trial studies the use of augmented reality AR glasses and noise-cancelling ANC headphones to improve patient comfort and decrease physiological stress signs during dental treatment. Dental anxiety is a common barrier to proper oral care, and this study aims to find non-drug ways to ease that anxiety. Participants will undergo a standard dental procedure and be randomly assigned to one of three groups one group will wear AR glasses showing calming nature scenes with relaxing music, another group will wear ANC headphones playing relaxing music to mask dental sounds, and a control group will receive sensory placebo devices that look like the AR glasses or headphones but provide no audiovisual input. All participants will wear sensors to monitor physiological stress like skin conductance and heart rate during the procedure. Before treatment, participants complete an anxiety questionnaire STAI. During the procedure, physiological stress is recorded continuously. After treatment, patients rate their pain and share their experience with or without the audiovisual tools. The study collects demographic data and monitors procedure details. The main outcome measured is the change in self-reported anxiety immediately after the procedure, with secondary outcomes including physiological stress levels and pain ratings. Participation is voluntary, and patients can withdraw at any time without affecting their dental care.

Use of Augmented Reality Glasses and Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Reduce Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients