Comparison of Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality Head-Mounted Displays for Dental Anxiety Control During Local Anesthesia in Children

Dental anxiety in children is associated with increased pain perception, behavioral problems, and reduced treatment compliance. Managing anxiety during dental procedures is therefore a critical component of pediatric dental care. Conventional behavior guidance techniques may not always be sufficient, particularly during invasive procedures such as local anesthesia administration.

This randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) head-mounted displays on dental anxiety and pain perception in pediatric patients. The study included 142 systemically healthy children aged between 6 and 12 years who required dental treatment under local anesthesia. Only children with positive or definitely positive behavior according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale were included.

Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: a VR group and an MR group. During local anesthesia administration, children in the VR group were exposed to a fully immersive virtual environment, while children in the MR group interacted with virtual content while maintaining partial awareness of the clinical environment.

Dental anxiety was evaluated using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale, and pain perception was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Behavioral pain responses during local anesthesia were scored using the FLACC scale by two independent observers. Heart rate measurements were recorded as a physiological indicator of anxiety. Interobserver reliability for behavioral assessments was also evaluated.

The primary outcome of the study was the change in dental anxiety levels during local anesthesia administration. Secondary outcomes included pain perception, behavioral responses, and physiological changes. The findings of this study aim to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of VR and MR technologies as distraction tools for anxiety management in pediatric dentistry.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged between 6 and 12 years.
• Systemically healthy children.
• Children requiring dental treatment under local anesthesia.
• Positive or definitely positive behavior according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of systemic disease or neurological disorders.
• Visual or auditory impairment that could interfere with the use of head-mounted displays.
• History of epilepsy, vertigo, or motion sickness related to audiovisual stimulation.
• Negative or definitely negative behavior according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.
• Refusal to use virtual reality or mixed reality devices.