Management of Dental Anxiety via Distraction Technique
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a stress ball as a distraction technique on stress levels of patients undergoing a dental procedure. Methods: A randomized, split-mouth design was conducted using 20 adult subjects requiring scaling and root planing (Sc/RP) in all four quadrants. Each side of the mouth(maxillary/mandibular) received Sc/RP with local anesthetic with or without the use of a stress-ball distraction over two separate sessions. Subjects completed two preprocedural questionnaires (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI; Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, MDAS) before and after each treatment session. A Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensor (Neulog) was used throughout each session to measure skin conductance or sweat. The GSR, STAI, and MDAS scores were evaluated using a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (alpha=0.05). Results: No significant difference in GSR scores (p=0.14) was found during treatment with or without the use of the stress ball. Also, no difference in STAI or MDAS scores was found before and after treatment with or without the use of a stress ball (p>0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study found that the use of a stress ball as a distraction technique did not result in any significant reduction in stress levels in subjects undergoing scaling and root planing with local anesthesia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1182866
Entities
People
- Job Torres-gomez
- Kraig S. Vandewalle
- Stephen C. Arnason
- Wyeth L. Hoopes
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences