The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses on Dental Anxiety Control

Evaluation of the Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses Used During Scaling and Root Planing on Dental Anxiety Control

In this clinical study, it was aimed to evaluate whether there is a decrease in patient anxiety by applying virtual reality glasses, which are the product of new technology, during scaling and root planing treatment.

Patients who required scaling and root planing treatment and also scored 9 or above according to the Dental Anxiety Scale were included in our study. Scaling and root planing was performed in a randomly selected intraoral quadrant of the patients, in the same way, with or without the use of virtual reality glasses. In the virtual reality glasses application, a video consisting of images of nature landscapes developed for patient rehabilitation was projected onto the screen in front of the patient's eyes. The Dental Anxiety Scale was reapplied after the completion of the treatment.

In the intraoral quadrant where virtual reality glasses were used, it is expected that lower Corah Dental Anxiety Scale scores may be obtained after the treatment is completed, compared to the intraoral quadrant where the treatment is performed without glasses, thus reducing anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being over 18 years old
• Being systemically healthy
• Needing treatment in at least two quadrants of the mouth
• At least five teeth in each quadrant and at least one region with a terminal pocket depth ≥4 mm
• Having a score of 9 or higher on the dental anxiety scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a history of seizures or a convulsive disorder
• Balance disorders such as nystagmus, vertigo
• Use of psychotropic drugs
• Getting treatment for anxiety
• Presence of dermatological lesions on the face and especially around the eyes
• The presence of a lesion in the eye that will prevent the use of virtual reality glasses