Comparing Brief Relaxation Period to Virtual Reality Period in Reducing Dental Anxiety Prior to Root Canal Treatment

Fifty-eight participants who needed non-surgical root canal treatment were randomly assigned into 2 groups of ABR and VRR. One group received earphones to listen to a guided brief relaxation recording, focusing on a body scan of tense points with diaphragmatic breathing. The other group received Meta 2 virtual reality headsets to listen and watch a 360 inclusive and integrative experience of ambient music, high resolution graphic illustrations and immersive scenery. Participants self-reported levels of anxiety were assessed prior to and post treatment by conducting evaluations using the State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI-State \& Trait) and the use of both a self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as well as by assessing objective secondary biometrics of anxiety of heart rate (HR) and Blood Pressure (BP) pre intervention, post intervention and following treatment completion.