Effect of aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety reduction in pediatric dental patients for treatment under local anesthesia: A randomized controlled study

Dental anxiety and pain are significant challenges in pediatric dentistry, often leading to non-cooperation during dental procedures and long term dental avoidance. Aromatherapy and Music therapy are non-invasive and patient friendly distraction techniques.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils like lavender which have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety by stimulating the olfactory system. Marconi’s union’s weightless series is chosen for this study as it is considered to be one of the world’s most relaxing songs. Music uses auditory stimulation to promote relaxation by stimulating dopamine production, decreasing heart rate and breathing pattern thus mimics state of relaxation and reduce physical markers of anxiety. AIM: The study aims to assess the effect of aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety reduction in pediatric dental patients for treatment under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1)To evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety reduction in pediatric dental patients for treatment under local anesthesia.

2)To evaluate the effective of listening to Marconi Union’s weightless (Music therapy) on anxiety reduction in pediatric dental patients for treatment under local anesthesia.

3)To compare the efficacy of aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety reduction in pediatric dental patients for treatment under local anesthesia.

Pulse rate and oxygen saturation will be recorded using portable pulse oximeter (pre-intervention) before and (post-intervention) after Local anesthesia. Anxiety levels will be assessed using venham’s anxiety scale and Facial image scale (pre-intervention) before and (post-intervention) after local anesthesia.

Group-1: Control Group Children will not be subjected to either aromatherapy or music therapy.

Group-2:Aromatherapy Group Lavender essential oil will be diffused in the treatment room using a ceramic diffuser. 4 drops of aroma oil will be poured on upper plate of ceramic diffuser and candle will be lit below the plate to allow the aroma to disperse throughout the room. Local anesthesia will be administered for the relevant dental procedure to be done.

Group-3:Music therapy Group Patient will be made to listen to Marconi Union’s weightless series with wireless headphones before the procedure begins. Local anesthesia will be administered for the relevant dental procedure to be done.