Effect of Music Listening on Anxiety, Stress, and Pain During Frenectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dental anxiety, perceived stress, and postoperative pain can negatively affect patient comfort and cooperation during minor oral surgical procedures. Music listening is a simple, low-cost, and non-pharmacological approach that may help reduce anxiety and improve the perioperative experience.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in adult patients scheduled for diode laser frenectomy as part of routine periodontal care. Participants were allocated to either a music listening group or a control group. In the music group, patients listened to a pre-recorded instrumental music performance during the procedure. The music recording was performed by academic staff from the Department of Instrument Education, Turkish Music State Conservatory, Necmettin Erbakan University. Patients in the control group underwent the same routine diode laser frenectomy procedure without music listening.

The study evaluated patient-centered outcomes related to anxiety, perceived stress, and pain. Dental anxiety was assessed before and after the procedure using validated dental anxiety scales. Perceived stress was assessed before and after the procedure using the Perceived Stress Scale. Postoperative pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. In addition, participants in the music group completed a questionnaire about their experience with music listening during the procedure, including their comfort, satisfaction, and willingness to receive music during a similar treatment in the future.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether music listening during diode laser frenectomy could reduce anxiety, stress, and pain and improve patient comfort during routine periodontal surgical care.