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NCT Number: NCT07336719

The Effect of Cartoon and Music Applications on Dental Pain

This study investigated the effect of showing cartoons or playing music during the procedure on the physiological parameters of pain and fear experienced by children aged 6-12 undergoing tooth extraction treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Management Agnosia Anxiety Disorders Dental Anxiety Dental Extraction Distraction Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Signs and Symptoms

Age range

6 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Selcuk University

Konya, 42130, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Pediatric patients are frequently exposed to medical procedures that can cause pain and anxiety. While pharmacological interventions may be used, distraction is a simple and effective technique that diverts children's attention away from distressing stimuli. Distraction is a non-pharmacological pain management technique widely used by healthcare professionals during procedures to reduce pain and distress. It is based on the assumption that by shifting the child's attention to something interesting, their ability to pay attention to painful stimuli is inhibited, thereby reducing pain, distress, and anxiety. However, there are no published studies examining the effect of watching cartoons, listening to music, and the tell-show-do approach during tooth extraction on the physiological parameters, pain, and anxiety of children aged 6-12 years.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Be between 6 and 12 years of age,
  • Have no systemic, neurological, or chronic diseases,
  • Agree to sit in the patient chair (according to the Frankl scale: 2, 3, or 4),
  • Have no mental or neurological problems,
  • Understand and speak Turkish,
  • Have an indication for tooth extraction
  • Willingness to participate in the study,
  • No visual or auditory impairments

Exclusion criteria

  • Being a foreign national,
  • Not wanting to participate in the study,
  • Not agreeing to sit in the patient chair (1 on the Frankl scale)

Treatment and study plan

Cartoon viewing app

Other

Before starting the study, a compilation of children's favorite cartoons specific to their age group was prepared. Based on randomization, children in this group were asked before the procedure which cartoon they would like to watch. During the procedure, a tablet was placed in a position where the child could easily see it. The cartoon started being shown one minute before the procedure. Uninterrupted viewing was ensured throughout the procedure.

Music intervention

Other

Before starting the study, a list of children's favorite music specific to their age group was compiled. Children in this group were randomly assigned to listen to which music from this list before the procedure. Wireless headphones were placed on the child before the procedure. Music began playing one minute prior to the procedure. The child was allowed to listen to music continuously throughout the procedure.

Control Group

Other

No interventions were performed on the children in this group outside of routine practice.

Primary outcomes

  1. Child Identification Information Form

    Time frame: Five minutes before the procedure

    This form was created by researchers based on the literature to determine the identifying characteristics (age, gender, type and duration of treatment, etc.) of a child undergoing dental treatment.

  2. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (Heart rate-min)

    Time frame: Tooth extraction 1 minute ago

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  3. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (oxygen saturation -SpO2%)

    Time frame: Tooth extraction 1 minute ago

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  4. Wong Baker Facial Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: Tooth extraction 1 minute ago

    The Wong Baker Facial Rating Scale is one of the scales used to assess pain. This scale consists of six facial expressions, rated from 0 to 10 according to the severity of the pain.

  5. Child Fear Assessment Scale-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS)

    Time frame: Tooth extraction 1 minute ago

    The CFSS-DS scale consists of 15 questions covering different aspects of dental treatment. It can be used with children aged 4-14 years. It is used to determine children's fear of tooth extraction.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (Heart rate-min

    Time frame: 5th minute of the process

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  2. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (oxygen saturation -SpO2%)

    Time frame: 5th minute of the process

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  3. Wong Baker Facial Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: 5th minute of the process

    The Wong Baker Facial Rating Scale is one of the scales used to assess pain. This scale consists of six facial expressions, rated from 0 to 10 according to the severity of the pain.

  4. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (Heart rate-min)

    Time frame: 1 minute after the procedure

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  5. Physiological Parameter Follow-up Form (oxygen saturation -SpO2%)

    Time frame: 1 minute after the procedure

    This is a form developed by researchers to assess the pulse and oxygen saturation of a child undergoing treatment.

  6. Wong Baker Facial Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: 1 minute after the procedure

    The Wong Baker Facial Rating Scale is one of the scales used to assess pain. This scale consists of six facial expressions, rated from 0 to 10 according to the severity of the pain.

  7. Child Fear Assessment Scale-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS)

    Time frame: 1 minute after the procedure

    The CFSS-DS scale consists of 15 questions covering different aspects of dental treatment. It can be used with children aged 4-14 years. It is used to determine a child's fear of tooth extraction.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Selcuk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Showing Cartoons and Playing Music During Dental Treatment on Pain and Treatment Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: Pain Relief

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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