The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in the management of dental pain and anxiety: A study on fifty children in Nakhchivan city and A comprehensive review

Objective: This study critically examines the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) technology in alleviating pain and anxiety during dental treatments; however, it places particular emphasis on a practical experiment conducted with children in Children's hospital of Nakhchivan city, alongside a review of prevailing literature. Methods: The research encompasses two primary components: (1) an experimental study involving 50 children aged 10–12 at Nakhchivan Children's Hospital (who were undergoing tooth extraction). The children were systematically divided into two groups; one utilized VR tools, while the other engaged in traditional distraction methods (such as animation and toys). Their anxiety and cooperation levels were meticulously assessed using a standardized 10-point scale. (2) A comprehensive review of 12 clinical studies derived from six major databases, encompassing 1,522 participants aged 0–60, investigated the impact of VR on pain and anxiety during dental procedures. Although the initial findings are promising, further research is warranted because of the variability in results across studies. This suggests a nuanced understanding of VR's role in clinical settings is necessary.

The empirical investigation elucidated that 64% of children employing VR experienced minimal or negligible discomfort, in contrast to 37% within the traditional distraction cohort. VR also elicited superior cooperation metrics across five behavioral parameters. The comprehensive review corroborated these observations, demonstrating substantial diminutions in pain and anxiety among individuals utilizing VR. For instance, VR diminished pain indices from 7.2 to 1.2 in a singular study, while concurrently alleviating anxiety levels in both adults and children subjected to various dental interventions. 

Discussion: VR manifests considerable potential as a non-pharmacological instrument for enhancing patient cooperation and mitigating dental pain and anxiety—particularly among children and those predisposed to anxiety. However, obstacles such as equipment expenditures, requisite training protocols and constrained personalization alternatives necessitate resolution. 

Conclusion: Virtual reality proffers a promising and innovative paradigm for the management of dental pain and anxiety. Further inquiry and advancements in technology are imperative to broaden its accessibility and efficacy within clinical environments.