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Use of Augmented Reality Glasses and Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Reduce Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients
Sponsor: Medical University of Warsaw
Summary
This study investigates whether new audiovisual technologies can help reduce anxiety and stress experienced by adult patients during dental procedures. Dental fear and anxiety are common barriers to receiving proper oral care. This randomized controlled trial aims to explore whether the use of specific devices-augmented reality (AR) glasses and noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones-can improve patient comfort and decrease physiological signs of stress during dental treatment. Participants in this study will undergo a standard dental procedure. In addition, they will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (no audiovisual intervention), a group using ANC headphones that play relaxing music during the procedure, or a group using AR glasses that display relaxing visual scenes along with the same music. Before the procedure, each participant will complete a psychological questionnaire (STAI) to assess their level of anxiety. During the procedure, physiological stress will be monitored using sensors that track parameters such as skin conductance (GSR) and heart rate. After the treatment, patients will be asked to rate their pain level and describe their experience with or without the audiovisual intervention. The goal is to better understand the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods in reducing anxiety and stress in adult dental patients. Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and will not affect the quality or availability of dental care. Patients may withdraw at any time without consequences. The study also collects basic demographic information and patient feedback to evaluate potential factors that may influence anxiety levels. By testing new immersive tools such as AR glasses and ANC headphones in a real clinical setting, this research may contribute to improving patient well-being and enhancing the dental care experience.
Official title: Use of New Technologies in Dentistry
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
250
Start Date
2026-03-01
Completion Date
2026-06-30
Last Updated
2026-03-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
AR Glasses with Video and Music
Participants wear augmented reality (AR) glasses that display calming nature-themed video content accompanied by relaxing music. The audiovisual content is presented throughout the dental procedure. The glasses are non-obstructive and allow patient-dentist communication. The purpose is to provide immersive distraction to reduce anxiety and physiological stress.
ANC Headphones with Music
Participants wear over-ear noise-cancelling headphones during the dental procedure. The headphones continuously play relaxing music and reduce environmental dental noise via active noise cancellation (ANC). The goal is to reduce anxiety and improve patient comfort during treatment.
Sensory Placebo Devices
Participants in the control group receive a sensory placebo: either protective glasses that resemble AR glasses but do not display video, or over-ear headphones that do not emit sound or noise cancellation. This simulates the intervention experience without actual audiovisual input and helps partially blind participants to their group assignment.
Locations (1)
University Dental Center, Medical University of Warsaw
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland