The effect of virtual reality glasses used in dental treatment on anxiety and fear in children: A randomized controlled study

Introduction: Virtual reality glasses can be used as a distraction method in dental practices for children. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of virtual reality glasses used during tooth extraction and extirpation treatment under local anesthesia on anxiety and fear in children aged 7-10 years. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consisted of 120 seven to ten-year- old children, including 60 in the EG and 60 in the CG, who received tooth extraction and extirpation treatment in the pediatric dental clinic. Data collection tools included the Children's Fear Scale, the Child Anxiety Scale-State. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, t-test, Shapiro-Wilk, mean and percentage distributions. Results: The assessments made by the researcher and the children indicated a statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups in terms of their mean anxiety and fear scores following tooth extraction and extirpation treatment (p < 0.001). After tooth extraction and extirpation treatment, it was determined that the children in the EG had lower mean anxiety and fear scores than the children in the CG. Conclusion: It was found that virtual reality glasses used during tooth extraction and extirpation treatment in children aged 7-10 years were effective in reducing their anxiety and fear levels. Virtual reality glasses can be used as a distracting method to relieve children's anxiety and fears during dental treatment procedures.