Impact of Virtual Reality on Perception of Dental Pain Associated With Dental Scaling in Healthy Adults: A Split Mouth Design Randomised Controlled Study

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in mitigating pain associated with dental scaling procedures. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate individuals' tolerance levels to VR during dental scaling sessions.

Materials and methods: A randomised split-mouth design study was conducted on 29 systemically healthy adult patients aged 18 years and above. Dental scaling was performed in two quadrants while wearing VR glasses, with the remaining quadrants undergoing the procedure without VR. The sequence of procedures was determined by random allocation. Patients were provided with VR glasses loaded with a mobile phone. After the procedure, patients were asked to complete a VR questionnaire. The primary outcome variables included pain scores with and without VR, while secondary variables included VR experience scores, baseline heart rate (HR), difference in HR, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, difference in systolic BP, and difference in diastolic BP.

Results: All 29 subjects successfully completed the study. Paired analysis of outcome variables with and without VR glasses revealed a statistically significant difference in pain scores (two-tailed p < 0.001). Additionally, a strong positive correlation was observed between VR experience score and difference in pain score (γ = 0.78, p < 0.001). While positive correlations between modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS) score and pain scores were observed, they were not highly significant (without VR: γ = 0.31 p = 0.097, with VR: γ = 0.34 p = 0.072).

Conclusions: The VR environment significantly diminished pain perception during dental scaling. Participants who experienced the VR setting more positively reported an even greater decline in pain scores, highlighting the profound impact of immersive technology on patient comfort.