EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL REALITY DISTRACTION IN REDUCING PAIN AND ANXIETY IN PEDIATRIC DENTAL PATIENTS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Managing anxiety and pain in pediatric dental patients remains a major challenge. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological behavioral management tool.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of VR distraction in reducing pain perception and anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 children aged 6–10 years requiring restorative dental treatment. Participants were divided into two groups: Control (no VR) and VR group. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and anxiety was measured using pulse rate and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.

Results: The VR group showed significantly lower pain and anxiety scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: VR distraction is an effective, non-invasive technique for behavior management in pediatric dentistry.