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Cureus Dec 2023Seeing a dental syringe can be terrifying, especially for young children, and hiding it during local anesthesia (LA) administration can sometimes be challenging for the...
BACKGROUND
Seeing a dental syringe can be terrifying, especially for young children, and hiding it during local anesthesia (LA) administration can sometimes be challenging for the pediatric dentist.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of a camouflaged dental syringe on children's anxiety and behavioral pain in comparison to the traditional dental syringe during local anesthesia administration in pediatric patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This randomized clinical trial included cooperative and healthy 6- to 10-year-old children scheduled for non-urgent dental treatment that required buccal infiltration anesthesia (BIA) in the maxillary arch. The subjects were randomized into either the test or the control groups. In the test group, subjects received BIA using the camouflaged dental syringe. Subjects in the control group received the BIA using a traditional dental syringe. A single-trained dentist administered all the anesthesia. Heart rate (HR) was monitored at three different time points (before, during, and after) the BIA administration. Subjects' anxiety and behavioral pain were measured using Venham's Anxiety Rating Scale (VARS) and the Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale, respectively, by two trained and calibrated investigators.
RESULTS
A total of 60 subjects with a mean age of 8.3 ±1.3 years were included. The scores of the VARS in the subjects in the camouflaged group were somewhat lower than the subjects in the traditional group, but the observed difference did not reach statistical significance (=0.113). However, subjects in the camouflaged group showed significantly lower FLACC scores compared to the traditional group (=0.034).
CONCLUSION
The utilization of a camouflaged dental syringe is effective in improving children's behavior during local anesthesia administration; therefore, it is recommended as an alternative to using the traditional syringe.
PubMed: 38186474
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50023 -
Cureus Jul 2023Dental anxiety is one of the main problems dentists may face during the treatment of pediatric dental patients; therefore, clinicians tend to perform different behavior... (Review)
Review
Dental anxiety is one of the main problems dentists may face during the treatment of pediatric dental patients; therefore, clinicians tend to perform different behavior management techniques to reduce dental anxiety in children. This review aimed to systematically compare and evaluate the published literature regarding the effects of distraction techniques on anxiety, pain perception, and patient experience during dental practice. A detailed electronic search was conducted on 3 databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. The databases were searched for articles published in the English language between 2015 and 2022. Among 102 studies, 27 studies fulfilled the criteria of eligibility and were included in this study to be analyzed. Numerous approaches have been proposed for the reduction of dental anxiety, out of which the use of audio-visual aids and instruments, active distraction such as tablets, smartphones, and virtual reality glasses showed governance in decreasing the children's anxiety followed by cognitive and behavioral methods.
PubMed: 37621781
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42366 -
Cureus Feb 2024This narrative review explores the integration of eye-tracking technology in dentistry, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its current applications and... (Review)
Review
This narrative review explores the integration of eye-tracking technology in dentistry, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of its current applications and potential benefits. The review begins by elucidating the fundamental principles of eye tracking, encompassing the various eye-tracking methods and devices commonly used in dental research. It then delves into the role of eye tracking in dental education, where the technology offers a unique perspective on students' visual attention during training and skill acquisition. Moreover, the review examines how eye tracking can aid in assessing and improving dental practitioners' clinical performance, shedding light on areas of improvement and expertise. In patient care, the application of eye-tracking technology offers significant potential. By analyzing patients' gaze patterns and visual focus during dental procedures, clinicians can gain valuable insights into their experiences, identifying sources of anxiety and discomfort. This newfound understanding can pave the way for more patient-centric care and optimized treatment plans. The review also explores the application of eye-tracking technology in designing and evaluating dental interfaces and equipment. By assessing visual ergonomics and usability, researchers can develop user-friendly instruments that enhance dental professionals' workflow and efficiency. However, despite its promise, integrating eye tracking in dentistry is not without challenges. Technical limitations, data analysis complexities, and ethical considerations require careful attention to ensure this technology's ethical and responsible use. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights the growing significance of eye-tracking technology in dentistry. Its applications span dental education, clinical practice, and patient care, holding immense potential to revolutionize how dental procedures are conducted, evaluated, and experienced. Nevertheless, further research and collaboration between dental professionals and eye-tracking experts are necessary to unlock the technology's benefits and ensure its seamless integration into dental practices.
PubMed: 38558726
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55105 -
European Journal of Dentistry Oct 2023To investigate the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on stress and anxiety of preclinical and clinical dental students.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on stress and anxiety of preclinical and clinical dental students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Dental students (participants) in their clinical course (CC; = 64) or preclinical course (PCC; = 53) were included in the study. The subjective perceived levels of stress and anxiety were evaluated using the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire. Cortisol levels were measured in saliva samples collected from participants. Knowledge of the pandemic was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analog scale. All data were collected twice: once during the university holidays and once during term time.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Results from DES, DASS, and salivary cortisol tests were compared between baseline and follow-up using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Multivariate linear regression models were computed with DES, DASS, and cortisol values as dependent variables to analyze possible influencing factors.
RESULTS
Participants showed medium levels of stress and anxiety at baseline and follow-up. The DASS score in the "anxiety" subdomain was significantly higher in the PCC group than in the CC group at baseline ( < 0.001) and increased during term time. DASS scores in the "stress" subdomain also increased during term time. However, both subdomain scores were lower than the cutoff value for a psychological disorder. The mean total DES scores were 615.9 ± 97.7 in the CC group and 580.40 ± 98.9 in the PCC group. These scores indicated medium stress levels and were not significantly different between the groups, nor did they change during the study period. Mean saliva cortisol levels were higher in the CC group (9.2 ± 5.2) than in the PCC group (4.9 ± 2.2) at baseline ( < 0.001) but converged by follow-up. Multivariate regression models showed that intraindividual perception of stress at baseline was consistently the most important aspect for changes in stress and anxiety levels during term time. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected stress and anxiety levels in some participants, but this was not ubiquitous.
CONCLUSION
Intraindividual differences in stress perception seem to be more relevant than course affiliation (preclinical or clinical) or the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to stress and anxiety levels in dental students.
PubMed: 37276882
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760299 -
Cureus Oct 2023Background Children who are afraid of the dentist have terrible behavioral effects, and one of those effects is that they have a preconceived concept that getting...
Background Children who are afraid of the dentist have terrible behavioral effects, and one of those effects is that they have a preconceived concept that getting treatment would be unpleasant. Such fear and anxiety can lead to avoidance of dental care. These patients must be recognized and their concerns addressed as soon as possible. It is, therefore, important to highlight the connection between the constructs that target the development of dental fear and anxiety, including its outcome in children concerning the prevalence of dental diseases. Aims and objectives To assess the prevalence of dental anxiety and its correlation to dental caries and gingivitis in students in Wardha aged six to 12 years old. Methods Two hundred schoolchildren between the ages of six and 12 were chosen at random, with 100 boys and 100 girls. Children had an oral examination utilizing the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) Index as well as the Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), as well as a modified version of the dental fear survey questionnaire. Results In the study population, the prevalence of low to moderate "general dental fear" was 47%, whereas the frequency of high dental fear was 14%. The mean DMFT (1.80 ± 1.76) and GI (1.04 ± 0.52) of boys did not differ substantially from the DMFT (1.94 ± 81.02) and GI (0.97 ± 0.53) of girls (P > 0.05). Conclusion In terms of DMFT and gingival scores, there was not any obvious distinction between male and female children. Additionally, there was no connection found between "general dental fear" and either the DMFT or GI scores. Dental fear scores decreased with increasing age.
PubMed: 37920631
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46360 -
Dentistry Journal Jul 2023The current evidence on the relationships among child oral health-related quality of life, dental anxiety, and self-esteem indicates that we need to investigate these...
BACKGROUND
The current evidence on the relationships among child oral health-related quality of life, dental anxiety, and self-esteem indicates that we need to investigate these relationships to improve our understanding of the associations. Therefore, the current research aimed to enhance this evidence and provide an overview of the participating children's oral-health-related quality of life (as measured by the CPQ), self-esteem (as measured by the Coopersmith SEI-SF), and dental anxiety (as measured by the CFSS_DS) and how these child-related outcome measures interacted and were related to one another.
METHOD
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of school children ( = 1900) aged 8 to 10 years. The questionnaire was collected through validated self-report measures: dental anxiety, COHRQoL, and self-esteem. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the strength of the association of our model to explore the relationships among these three psychological constructs. The moderating effects of age, gender, location, and the educational board were analysed for their possible influence on these relationships.
RESULTS
Significant relationships between COHRQoL and child dental anxiety and between COHRQoL and SE were detected. The relationship subscale between COHRQoL and child dental anxiety was 0.24, ( < 0.001). A stronger correlation between COHRQoL, and SE was found, with B = -0.77, ( < 0.001). Although the association between CDA and SE was small, it was statistically significant ( = 0.03). These findings provide some important background information for designing effective educational programs for children.
PubMed: 37504245
DOI: 10.3390/dj11070179 -
International Journal of Qualitative... Dec 2024Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy that focuses on human lived experience. Illness including dental diseases can affect this living experience. Within the dental... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy that focuses on human lived experience. Illness including dental diseases can affect this living experience. Within the dental literature, there is very little reported on the use of phenomenology compared to other healthcare sciences. Hence, the aim was to review the literature and provide an overview of various applications of phenomenology in dental research.
METHODS
This study was a narrative review using literature in the last 10 years identified by web-based search on PubMed and Scopus using keywords. A total of 33 articles that were closely related to the field and application in dentistry were included. The methodology, main results, and future research recommendations, if applicable, were extracted and reviewed.
RESULTS
The authors in this study had identified several areas such as orofacial pain and pain control research, dental anxiety, dental education, oral healthcare perceptions and access, living with dental diseases and dental treatment experience in which the phenomenological method was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic.
CONCLUSIONS
There are several advantages of using the phenomenological research method, such as the small sample size needed, the diverse and unique perspective that can be obtained and the ability to improve current understanding, especially from the first-person perspective.
Topics: Humans; Philosophy; Research Design; Stomatognathic Diseases; Dentistry
PubMed: 38634343
DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2341450 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2023With an increasing understanding of the differences between men and women's psychological experiences, this study aimed to probe the sex-based differences in anxiety,...
With an increasing understanding of the differences between men and women's psychological experiences, this study aimed to probe the sex-based differences in anxiety, depressive symptoms, and coping strategies among orthognathic patients. The study hypothesis was that female patients would show higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than males, and that coping mechanisms would differ between male and female sexes. A cross-sectional design was adopted, examining orthognathic patients from the Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery at the Emergency Clinical Municipal Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, from 2020 to 2023. Eligible participants (18+ years with no prior orthognathic treatment) completed a comprehensive online questionnaire 6 weeks before scheduled surgery. This was composed of validated self-report instruments comprising the SF-36, GAD-7, and the PHQ-9, and the COPE-60, along with additional sociodemographic data. Of the 127 orthognathic patients analyzed (68 men and 59 women, aged 18 to 65 years, mean age 32), men rated their physical health status slightly better on the SF-36 scale. However, the most notable difference was in mental health, with females scoring higher on both the PHQ-9 (indicative of depression) and the GAD-7 (indicative of anxiety) scales. Specifically, female participants exhibited average PHQ-9 scores 1.8 points higher and GAD-7 scores 1.5 points higher than their male counterparts. Coping mechanisms also varied: 42% of male patients primarily employed "Disengagement" strategies, while 58% of females predominantly used "Engagement" and "Emotion Focused" strategies. Emotion-focused coping was associated with a 1.6-fold increased risk of depressive symptoms. Sex differences play a crucial role in the psychological experiences of orthognathic patients, evident in anxiety and depression levels, perceived health status, and coping strategies. This underlines the importance of sex-tailored psychological support in the preoperative phase for orthognathic surgery patients.
PubMed: 38002773
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227161 -
Journal of Dental Research Aug 2023Evidence connects mental illness to other adverse health conditions, including oral health. However, longitudinal associations between mental and oral health remain...
Evidence connects mental illness to other adverse health conditions, including oral health. However, longitudinal associations between mental and oral health remain understudied. We aimed to examine mental health-oral health associations prospectively in a nationally representative US cohort. Data were from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. The Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener measured 3 types of mental health symptoms: internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems. Six self-reported oral health conditions related to periodontal disease were evaluated: self-rated oral health, bleeding gums, loose teeth, tooth extraction, gum disease, and bone loss around teeth. Cross-sectional analysis within PATH Study wave 4 (2016 to 2018, = 30,746) compared the survey-weighted prevalence of the 6 oral health outcomes according to severity of mental health problems. Prospectively, oral health outcomes were assessed 2 y later (wave 5, 2018 to 2019) according to wave 4 (baseline) mental health problems ( = 26,168). Survey-weighted logistic regression models controlled for confounders (age, sex, tobacco use, etc.) with imputation for missing values. All 6 adverse oral health conditions were greater in prevalence among participants with severe internalizing problems. Multiple conditions were also associated with severe externalizing or substance use problems. Longitudinally associations attenuated, but multiple associations of meaningful magnitude persisted, most with internalizing problems. For example, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.50) for bleeding gums and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.68) for tooth extraction when we compared severe versus none/low internalizing problems. Providers should expect higher levels of oral disease among patients with adverse mental health symptoms. Independent of externalizing and substance use problems, symptoms of internalizing problems (related to depression and/or anxiety) are plausible risk factors for future oral disease. Better integration and coordination of mental and oral health treatment and prevention are recommended.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Oral Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Substance-Related Disorders; Tobacco Use
PubMed: 37246825
DOI: 10.1177/00220345231171108 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023It is common today to encounter anxiety in patients facing dental treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is presented as a high-performing and innovative procedure because it... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is common today to encounter anxiety in patients facing dental treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is presented as a high-performing and innovative procedure because it can distract patients undergoing dental procedures or prepare them for such treatments. In addition, this meta-analysis has gathered evidence on VR and its ability to reduce dental anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing different treatments.
METHODS
The major Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for scientific articles published up to 2023. Studies in which VR was used for children and adults as a measure against anxiety during dental treatments were included. VR was defined as a three-dimensional place where patients experience a sense of immersion as they find themselves in attractive and interactive environments that detach them from reality. Anxiety and pain were examined and measured during dental treatments in which VR was used by comparing them with standard care situations.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were identified, of which eleven met the inclusion criteria. The effect of VR was studied mainly in the pediatric population as a distractive method. Only two studies (not significant) on an adult population were considered.
CONCLUSIONS
this review shows that VR is an excellent distraction method that is effective in reducing anxiety before dental treatment; however, due to the few studies in this area, further research on VR as a tool to prepare patients for dental treatment is needed.
PubMed: 38002854
DOI: 10.3390/children10111763