Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Pain control is essential in treating child patients. One of the most commonly used behavior management techniques to manage anxiety and pain during dental procedures in children is distraction. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) eyeglasses on pain and anxiety during local anesthesia (LA) administration in four to eight year old children. Material and method: Forty healthy co-operative children requiring restorative treatment under local anesthesia were recruited for the study. Children were randomly divided into two groups based on the sequence in which VR was introduced during the treatment sessions. Baseline anxiety was assessed using the physiologic parameters – Heart rate (HR), SPO2, and subjective self-reported scale - Venham’s picture test (VPT). During LA injection, anxiety was assessed using physiologic parameters. After LA, the anxiety was assessed using the physiologic parameters, subjective self-reported scale and observational scale – Venham’s clinical anxiety rating scale {VRS}. Pain on injection was measured using Wong Baker {WB} faces pain rating scale. Results – For descriptive purpose, the mean values of the anxiety and pain parameters of all children were clubbed in two groups – VR group and without VR distraction group. Mean HR was less in VR distraction after IANB injection than no distraction with statistically significant difference {p=0.0180}. Pain on IANB injection was lower in VR group as compared to no distraction with no statistically significant difference {p=0.9447}. Conclusion: VR distraction helps in reducing anxiety during LA administration. Also it helps in reducing pain perception during LA administration. Keywords: Pain; Anxiety; Children; Virtual reality goggle distraction.