Abstract

Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different audiovisual distraction techniques (Audio Video eyeglasses “VR BOX”/ Tablet) in the management of anxious pediatric patients during IAN block Study design: A randomized clinical trial carried out on 102 children (60 boys and 42 girls) aged between 6 and 10 years (mean age of 7,4 years) to investigate the effect of using VR eyeglasses “VR BOX” and tablet device with wireless headphone in reducing the dental anxiety of children during inferior alveolar nerve block (IAN) administration.

Methods: 102 children were randomly divided into three groups; Group A (Control group): IAN administrated with basic behavior guidance techniques and without using any type of distraction aids. Group B: IAN administrated with using AV eyeglasses “VR BOX” and wireless headphone. Group C: IAN administrated with using tablet device and wireless headphone. The participants were selected from children attending the department of the pediatric dentistry at the faculty of dentistry at Damascus university who required of local anesthesia (LA) administration in the mandibular arch. All of the children who experienced an inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block with/without distraction were assessed by using a combination of measures: Wong–Baker FACES (self-report), pulse rate (physiological) and behavior (using FLACC behavior rating scale “external evaluator”).

Results: 101 children completed the study from 102 children. There was no statistical significant deference in the anxiety of audiovisual groups as reported by the Wong–Baker FACES values (p = 0.536) and FLACC scale (p = 0.454). However, there was a statistical significant deference in the anxiety and pain level in pulse rate (p = 0.043).

Conclusions: Distraction using video shown on tablet device was the best in relieving dental anxiety and pain during IAN block. Although using AV eyeglasses “VR BOX” had no added advantage in a majority of children, AV eyeglasses “VR BOX” was more acceptable in older patients (8-10 years) than younger patients and gave the children some exciting experiences which may lead for better behavior in the next dental visits.

Key words: Distraction _ Behavior management _Children’s dental anxiety