Respiratory Biofeedback Device and Reduction of Dental Anxiety Associated With Local Anesthesia in Children

The Effect of a Respiratory Biofeedback Device on Reduction of Dental Anxiety Associated With Local Anesthesia in Children: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a respiratory biofeedback device (RESPeRATE TM) in reduction of preoperative anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures under local anesthesia.

The study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 110 anxious pediatric dental patients, of age range 7-12 years, were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Egypt, after securing parental informed consents. Children were chosen according to the Faces version of Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale scoring 26 or more.

The participants will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group I: Study group and Group II: Control group. The patients of group I (Study group) will undergo a session of biofeedback regulation by using "RESPeRATETM" as an anxiety reducing method. Group II patients will be managed by a routine behavioral management technique "Tell,show,do". Local anesthesia injection will be administered to the child, after which heart rate measurement and salivary sample for salivary amylase analysis will be repeated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Normal healthy children (physical status ASA I & II).
• Scoring 26 or more on faces version of modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDASf).
• Dental procedure requiring local anesthesia.
• Completion of a parental consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children on anxiolytic medication or using any medication directly related to emotional or cognitive function.
• Children with special needs.
• Children on medications that specifically agonize or antagonize alpha- or beta-adrenergic processes.