ABSTRACT
Background:
A large percentage of patients suffer from dental anxiety, which often results in poor oral health and avoidance of dental treatment. One noninvasive, reasonably priced strategy that may help with anxiety management is music therapy.
Materials and Methods:
For this randomized controlled experiment, 60 individuals with self-reported dental anxiety, aged 18–50 years, were included. Participants were split into two groups: Group B (n = 30) had dental treatments without music therapy, and Group A (n = 30) had music therapy during those procedures. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure dental anxiety both before and after the surgery. Blood pressure and heart rate were also assessed as physiological markers of anxiousness.
Results:
Following music therapy, the mean MDAS score in Group A dropped significantly (P < 0.01) from 18.5 ± 2.3 to 12.7 ± 2.1. Additionally, physiological measures, including blood pressure and heart rate, showed a substantial decrease (P < 0.05). However, Group B showed no significant changes in physiological indicators and a little decrease in MDAS scores (from 17.9 ± 2.4 to 16.8 ± 2.5, P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Significant changes in psychological and physiological indicators demonstrate that music therapy is a beneficial strategy for lowering dental anxiety. Patients’ comfort and overall treatment experiences may be improved by integrating music therapy into dental practices.
KEYWORDS: Anxiety reduction, dental anxiety, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), music therapy, patient comfort
INTRODUCTION
Dental anxiety is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It often results in poor oral health, delayed dental care, and unpleasant dental treatment experiences.[1] An estimated 10–20% of people worldwide suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety, which may lead to a decline in oral and systemic health and the avoidance of important dental operations.[2] Dental anxiety has several underlying reasons, including dread of pain, a sense of helplessness during treatment, and unpleasant experiences in the past.[3,4]
In addition to increasing patient pleasure, controlling dental anxiety is essential for maintaining dental treatment compliance and encouraging improved oral health outcomes.[5] Despite their effectiveness, pharmacological techniques, like sedatives and anesthetics, may not be appropriate for every patient because of possible adverse effects or contraindications.[6] As supplemental measures, non-pharmacological methods, such as cognitive–behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and distraction techniques, have shown promise.[7]
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 60 patients, aged 18–50 years, with self-reported dental anxiety were recruited. Inclusion criteria included individuals scheduled for routine dental procedures and scoring ≥15 on the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Patients with hearing impairments, psychiatric disorders, or those using anxiolytic medications were excluded from the study.
Randomization and group allocation
Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 each using a computer-generated randomization sequence:
Group A (Intervention Group): Patients received music therapy during the dental procedure.
Group B (Control Group): Patients underwent the procedure without music therapy.
Intervention
For Group A, music therapy was administered using headphones. Patients were allowed to select from a pre-curated playlist of instrumental and soothing music genres. The music was played continuously throughout the procedure at a comfortable volume level.
Data collection
Dental anxiety levels were assessed using the MDAS, a validated tool consisting of five questions scored on a five-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from 5 to 25, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety. Physiological parameters, including heart rate and blood pressure, were measured before and after the procedure using a digital monitor.
Statistical analysis
Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25.0).
RESULTS
Participant characteristics
A total of 60 participants were included in the study, with 30 individuals in each group. The mean age of participants was 32.4 ± 8.2 years in Group A and 31.8 ± 7.9 years in Group B. Gender distribution was comparable between the groups, with 16 males and 14 females in Group A and 15 males and 15 females in Group B.
Effect of music therapy on dental anxiety
The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) scores showed a significant reduction in Group A (Intervention Group) after music therapy, while minimal changes were observed in Group B (Control Group). The mean MDAS score in Group A decreased from 18.5 ± 2.3 to 12.7 ± 2.1 (P < 0.01). In contrast, Group B exhibited a slight reduction from 17.9 ± 2.4 to 16.8 ± 2.5, which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) [Table 1].
Table 1.
Changes in MDAS Scores Pre- and Post-Procedure
| Group | Pre-procedure MDAS score (mean±SD) | Post-procedure MDAS score (mean±SD) | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | 18.5±2.3 | 12.7±2.1 | <0.01 |
| Group B | 17.9±2.4 | 16.8±2.5 | >0.05 |
A significant reduction in MDAS scores was observed in Group A compared to Group B
Changes in physiological parameters
Group A demonstrated a significant decrease in heart rate and systolic blood pressure post-procedure compared to Group B. The mean heart rate in Group A reduced from 88.4 ± 5.6 bpm to 78.2 ± 4.9 bpm (P < 0.01), while in Group B, it showed a marginal decrease from 87.9 ± 5.2 bpm to 85.8 ± 5.5 bpm (P > 0.05). Similarly, systolic blood pressure in Group A reduced from 134.5 ± 7.8 mmHg to 126.2 ± 6.4 mmHg (P < 0.01), whereas Group B showed an insignificant change [Table 2].
Table 2.
Changes in Physiological Parameters Pre- and Post-Procedure
| Parameter | Group | Pre-procedure (mean±SD) | Post-procedure (mean±SD) | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart rate (bpm) | Group A | 88.4±5.6 | 78.2±4.9 | <0.01 |
| Group B | 87.9±5.2 | 85.8±5.5 | >0.05 | |
| Systolic BP (mmHg) | Group A | 134.5±7.8 | 126.2±6.4 | <0.01 |
| Group B | 133.9±6.9 | 132.5±7.1 | >0.05 |
Group A showed significant reductions in heart rate and systolic blood pressure compared to Group B
Patient feedback
Participants in Group A reported a more positive overall experience compared to Group B, emphasizing the calming effect of the music.
These results suggest that music therapy effectively reduces both psychological and physiological indicators of dental anxiety [Tables 1 and 2].
DISCUSSION
Significant changes in psychological and physiological markers among participants in the intervention group show that music therapy is effective in lowering dental anxiety, according to the study’s results. These findings are in line with other studies, showing that music therapy helps patients feel more at ease in medical environments.[1,2]
A significant deterrent to getting dental treatment is dental anxiety, which is often linked to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, which raises blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels.[3] Because they are simple to use and have no negative side effects, non-pharmacological treatments, like music therapy, have drawn interest as supplemental methods for treating anxiety.[4,5] According to this study, the music therapy group’s decreased Modified Dentistry Anxiety Scale (MDAS) ratings and physiological characteristics are consistent with previous research, demonstrating the anxiolytic benefits of music in dentistry and medical settings.[6]
Activating the brain’s reward centers, suppressing the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and modifying the autonomic nervous system are some of the ways that music therapy works.[7] These processes help explain the noteworthy reductions in blood pressure and heart rate that were seen in the intervention group. Studies involving patients in critical care settings and those having surgery have shown comparable physiological responses.[8,9]
CONCLUSION
This research concludes by highlighting music therapy’s potential as a successful remedy for dental anxiety. Regular dental care that includes music therapy may enhance patient satisfaction and encourage greater treatment compliance.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Funding Statement
Nil.
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