Reducing anxiety in children with molar incisor hypomineralization using virtual reality - A randomized crossover study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) video games on anxiety levels during dental treatments in children with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH)-affected teeth. The incidence of MIH, characterized by hypomineralized enamel, observed in at least one permanent incisor and molar tooth, varies between 5% and 40%. Dental anxiety is a common condition in children affected by MIH, and this anxiety increases with the severity of hypomineralization.A total of 23 children between the ages of 10 and 12 years played VR video games during their dental treatments. The Children's Perioperative Multidimensional Anxiety Scale questionnaire was administered before and during the treatments to measure the anxiety levels of the children.Children undergoing treatment while playing VR games were found to be less worried and fearful during their appointments. They exhibited less nervousness, did not think about potential pain from the dental procedure and did not worry about future discomfort. A comparison of these results with those of children who underwent dental treatments without playing VR games revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).Children with MIH-affected teeth who are distracted from dental procedures using three-dimensional VR games experienced less dental anxiety.