Therapeutic Play and Music Therapy in Dental Anxiety

Therapeutic Play and Music Therapy in Dental Anxiety Management: A Randomised Clinical Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effects of therapeutic play and music therapy on dental anxiety and pain levels in pediatric patients undergoing tooth extraction.

A total of 126 children aged 6-8 years who required maxillary molar extraction were randomly assigned to three groups (n=42): a control group (Tell-Show-Do), a music therapy group, and a therapeutic play group. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, were recorded. The Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale - faces version (MCDASf) and the Facial Image Scale (FIS) were used to assess anxiety levels before and after the extraction. Following the extraction, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS) was used to evaluate pain levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 6-8 years
• Scored 3 (positive) or 4 (definitely positive) on the Frankl Behavior Scale
• Systemically healthy
• Had no hearing impairments or allergies
• Had an indication for extraction of any primary maxillary molars (54, 55, 64, 65)
• Whose parents provided informed consent for participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had systemic diseases or allergies
• Scored 1 (definitely negative) or 2 (negative) on the Frankl Behavior Scale
• Were undergoing psychological or psychiatric treatment
• Had physical or mental disabilities