Controlling Gag Reflex During Endodontic Diagnostic Radiography

The Interactive Distraction Technique for Controlling Gag Reflex During Endodontic Diagnostic Radiography of Posterior Teeth: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial With Patients Reported Outcomes

Intraoral radiography plays a vital role in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. However, many patients experience discomfort during periapical radiographic procedures due to factors such as a pronounced gag reflex and dental anxiety, making the process difficult and distressing. Managing these issues is essential for enhancing patient cooperation and improving overall treatment experience.

This study investigates the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) interactive distraction as a noninvasive method to control gag reflex and improve patient comfort during intraoral radiography. While VR has shown promise in reducing dental anxiety in various procedures, its effectiveness in managing gag reflex during diagnostic endodontic radiography remains largely unexplored.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing the gag reflex in adult patients undergoing routine periapical radiographs for maxillary molar teeth. Secondary objectives include assessing patient preferences, experiences, and satisfaction associated with the use of VR.

The study involves patients who require bilateral intraoral diagnostic radiographs of maxillary molars. Each patient will undergo two radiographs: one with standard procedure (Control - Group 1), and the other using VR distraction (Experimental - Group 2). A randomized, computer-generated list will determine which side will receive the VR intervention.

Gag reflex scores will be measured before and after the procedure, pre- and post-procedure anxiety levels will be recorded using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Additionally, a structured questionnaire will assess patient satisfaction and experience with the VR device. Physiological indicators such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be recorded to evaluate any changes associated with the use of VR.

This study aims to generate evidence on whether VR distraction can be an effective tool for controlling gag reflex and improving patient tolerance, ultimately enhancing the quality of care in diagnostic dental radiography.

Background:

Intraoral radiography is crucial for accurate endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. However, some patients face challenges during periapical radiography procedures. Many struggle to tolerate the placement of intraoral films or sensors; a problem worsens because of gag reflexes and dental anxiety.

Rationale:

Controlling gag reflexes, improving patient experience, and reducing anxiety are priorities in all dental procedures. Virtual reality (VR) interactive distraction is a promising noninvasive tool to improve patient experience and reduce anxiety during dental procedures. So far, little to no evidence exists regarding the impact of VR on controlling gag reflex in patients undergoing diagnostic endodontic intraoral radiography procedures.

Study objectives:

As its primary objective, this study will evaluate the use of VR interactive distraction to control the gag reflex in adult patients undergoing routine endodontic diagnostic intraoral radiography for maxillary molar teeth. As its secondary objectives, the study will evaluate the impact of VR on patients' preferences, experiences, and satisfaction as well as anxiety levels.

Methods:

The study will be conducted on patients who require endodontic bilateral diagnostic intraoral radiographs of maxillary molar teeth for reasons not related to this study. Two radiographs will be taken for each patient as follows.

• Control (G1) - Periapical radiograph without application of VR distraction.
• Experimental (G2) - Periapical radiograph with the application of VR distraction.

A computer-generated list will be used to randomly select the control and experimental sides. Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) will be used to assess anxiety before and after finishing the radiography procedures. A structured questionnaire will be used to evaluate the satisfaction and experience regarding using a Virtual reality device. The pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will be measured for physiological assessment at three timepoints (pre-procedure, during procedure and post-procedure).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (over 18 years old) visiting the Al-Rass dental clinics of the College of Dentistry and undergoing bilateral maxillary molar periapical radiographs for endodontic diagnostic purposes.
• Patients who are willing to collaborate in the study and willing to sign the written informed consent.
• Classified as class I, II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System.
• Patients exhibiting a gag reflex of "moderate" to "very severe" according to the classification of the Gagging Problem (CGP) index

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mentally or medically compromised patients.
• Patients with acute pain, such as acute pulpitis, which require emergency treatment.
• Pregnant women.
• Patients on any medications for the past two weeks.
• Patients who refuse to participate in the study.