The Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses on Pain Perception

Positive experiences during a child's first dental visit contribute to the development of both acute and long-term positive attitudes toward dentists and dental treatments. However, some children may find dental visits stressful or frightening due to several factors, including being in an unfamiliar environment, fear of pain, negative remarks about dentists they might have heard from others, the sounds of dental equipment, bright lights, or even their parents' anxious demeanor. Addressing these fears and implementing strategies to reduce anxiety and alter pain perception can make dental visits smoother. Such measures also positively influence children's oral health, dental development, future dental experiences, eating habits, general health, and self-confidence.

On the contrary, if the first dental experience is associated with pain and anxiety, this can condition children-particularly those who are more sensitive-to develop persistent dental anxiety. In severe cases, repeated exposure to dental procedures or clinic visits may evoke psychological trauma, leading to multifaceted negative consequences in the future.

This study aims to compare the effects of an individualized game-based simulation presented through virtual reality (VR) glasses versus the conventional tell-show-do (TSD) technique on children's pain intensity and anxiety during dental procedures.

A total of 88 children, determined through power analysis, aged 6-10 years and attending their first dental visit, will be randomly assigned to two groups using odd-even numbering. The study group (odd numbers) will receive restorative treatment accompanied by a VR-based game, while the other group (even numbers) will undergo treatment using the TSD technique.

In the VR group, children will experience a specially designed interactive game that explains the treatment process step-by-step. The game aims to redirect attention away from discomfort using motivational elements such as visual-auditory stimuli, narrative-driven stages, and the goal of progressing through the game. Behaviors that support cooperation will be embedded as in-game tasks to improve compliance and reduce anxiety.

In the other group, behavior management will be provided using the tell-show-do method. This includes explaining procedures using child-friendly language (tell), demonstrating non-threatening aspects of the instruments and environment (show), and performing the procedures accordingly (do).

After informed consent is obtained, the treating dentist will select teeth based on clinical and radiographic criteria. Dento-alveolar images will be reviewed using VR glasses and explained to the parent, who will also wear VR glasses for an immersive consultation experience. A caries detection tool powered by artificial intelligence will support diagnosis.

Treatments will be performed on the lower primary molars with mesio-occlusal or disto-occlusal caries not involving the pulp.

To ensure the exclusion of children with underlying psychopathologies, participants will first be screened using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS). Only those without psychiatric indications will be included in the study.

Pain perception and anxiety will be evaluated using psychometric scales (SCARED, CFSS-DS, Wong-Baker, STAIC) and physiological measurements (pulse oximeter, heart rate) at four standardized intervals: before treatment, during anesthesia administration, during the procedure, and after treatment.

It is hypothesized that the VR-based game will result in lower anxiety and pain perception, greater cooperation, and more positive dental experiences compared to the tell-show-do method.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 6 to 10 years
• No previous dental treatment history
• No systemic or chronic medical conditions
• No mental retardation
• No psychiatric pathology based on CBCL, K-SADS-PL-T, and SCARED (SCARED score <25)
• Presence of dentin caries on mandibular molars (mesio-occlusal or disto-occlusal)
• Signed informed consent by parent/Guardian

Exclusion criteria

• Prior dental treatment experience
• SCARED score ≥25
• Diagnosed psychological or developmental disorders
• Acute dental pain or irreversible pulp involvement
• Decline to sign informed consent