Evaluating Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Local Anesthesia and Restorative Dental Treatment in Adults with Bilateral Cavities

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates how virtual reality VR distraction affects pain perception, anxiety, physiological responses, and overall patient experience during local anesthesia and restorative dental treatment in adults needing bilateral Class I cavity repairs. The study uses a split-mouth randomized design where each participant receives treatment with and without VR distraction in random order, allowing direct comparison of outcomes within the same individual. The aim is to determine if VR can improve comfort during routine dental care by reducing dental anxiety and pain. Participants receive two types of dental treatment sessions one with an immersive virtual reality headset used as a distraction during local anesthesia and cavity filling, and one without VR, following standard dental procedures. The order of these treatments is randomized, and each participant serves as their own control. This study evaluates VR as a non-drug method to potentially ease dental procedure discomfort and anxiety. During each treatment session, researchers measure dental anxiety and pain perception immediately after local anesthesia and restorative treatment. Additional assessments include heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, patient comfort, unpleasant symptoms, awareness of surroundings, and preferences for future VR use and dental clinic selection. All data are collected on the same day of treatment, aiming to capture patient experience and physiological responses in real-time.

Virtual Reality Distraction During Restorative Dental Treatment