Clinical use of virtual reality distraction system to reduce anxiety and pain in dental procedures

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been used by clinicians to manage pain in clinical populations. This study examines the use of VR as a form of distraction for dental patients using both subjective and objective measures to determine how a VR system affects patients' reported anxiety level, pain level, and physiological factors. As predicted, results of self-evaluation questionnaires showed that patients experienced less anxiety and pain after undergoing VR treatment. Physiological data reported similar trends in decreased anxiety. Overall, the favorable subjective and objective responses suggest that VR distraction systems can reduce discomfort and pain for patients with mild to moderate fear and anxiety.

Figures

FIG. 1.

Patient in treatment room.

FIG. 2.

Psychophysiological monitoring and biofeedback equipment.

FIG. 3.

Measurement without the virtual reality (VR) distraction system.

FIG. 4.

Biofeedback sensors and wireless trackball.

FIG. 5.

Measurement with VR distraction system.

FIG. 6.

Results show a trend of factors related to fear and anxiety reduction with VR distraction.

FIG. 7.

Evaluation outcome chart (heart rate, respiration rate) example.

FIG. 8.

EKG of patient 5 with and without VR distraction.