NCT06976047

Sensory Distraction Tools on Anxiety Management in Pediatric Dental Patient

Effectiveness of Visual and Sensory Distraction Tools on Anxiety and Behavior Management in Pediatric Dental Patient

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (actual)
• Sponsor: Damascus University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 6 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of visual and sensory distraction prior to inferior alveolar nerve block administration in healthy children of both genders, aged 4-6 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How effective are different visual and sensory distraction techniques in reducing pain and anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block procedures in young children? * Which type of distraction technique (visual or sensory) is the most effective? This study will compare children receiving visual and sensory distraction with those receiving no distraction to assess differences in pain perception and anxiety levels during the procedure. Participants will: * Undergo a standardized inferior alveolar nerve block procedure. * Be randomly assigned to one of the following groups: visual distraction, sensory distraction, or control (no distraction). * Complete simple self-reported pain and anxiety assessments appropriate for their age (such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale). * Be evaluated using additional objective measures, including the FLACC scale and heart rate monitoring.

Detailed description

Dental anxiety is considered one of the most common challenges in pediatric dentistry, as it directly affects - and may limit - a child's cooperation during treatment. Distraction techniques work by diverting the child's attention away from painful or difficult therapeutic procedures and are considered highly important in managing children's behavior within the dental clinic. Various visual and/or auditory distraction methods can be employed by the dental team when working with pediatric patients. Distraction techniques may be either active (such as allowing the child to play electronic games) or passive (such as listening to music or watching animated movies). These techniques are considered a valuable alternative to pharmacological preparation for completing dental treatments in children, and many pediatric dentists have adopted them as an effective strategy for managing dental anxiety in young patients. Despite the availability of numerous behavioral management techniques for addressing dental anxiety, the effectiveness of different distraction methods - whether visual, sensory, or a combination of both - still requires further investigation.

Conditions

• Anaesthesia
• Anxiety
• Children

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Tell-Show-Do	The inferior alveolar nerve block will be administered utilizing a combination of the Tell-Show-Do technique and verbal distraction. Initially, the procedure will be explained to the child in simple, age-appropriate language to reduce fear and foster understanding ("Tell"). This will be followed by a demonstration of the materials and sensations involved, using models or non-threatening demonstrations on the child's hand ("Show"). Once the child appears comfortable, the actual administration of the nerve block ("Do") will proceed exactly as explained, maintaining consistency between the explanation and the action. Throughout the process, verbal distraction will be continuously employed, engaging the child in non-procedural conversation, offering positive reinforcement, and using calming, encouraging language.
BEHAVIORAL	Visual distraction	The child's attention will be distracted before anesthesia by asking the child to participate in the activity and attempt to catch the light. The dentist, using a thumb sleeve placed on their finger, will perform various hand movements. The light in the thumb sleeve is controlled by pressing a battery that turns the light on and off. The child is instructed to catch the light, creating the illusion of passing it from one hand to the other and eventually "swallowing" it into the oral cavity. Once the child appears comfortable, the actual administration of the nerve block will proceed.
BEHAVIORAL	Sensory distraction	During the application of local anesthesia, the child will be provided with a Pop-it toy as a form of sensory distraction. The child will be briefly instructed on how to use the toy, with a simple explanation of the method of play, encouraging active engagement throughout the anesthetic procedure.
BEHAVIORAL	Visual and sensory distraction	The child's attention will be distracted before anesthesia by asking the child to participate in the activity and attempt to catch the light. The dentist, using a thumb sleeve placed on their finger, will perform various hand movements. The child is instructed to catch the light, creating the illusion of passing it from one hand to the other and eventually "swallowing" it into the oral cavity. During the application of local anesthesia, the child will be provided with a Pop-it toy as a form of sensory distraction. The child will be briefly instructed on how to use the toy, with a simple explanation of the method of play, encouraging active engagement throughout the anesthetic procedure.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-15
• Primary completion: 2025-07-22
• Completion: 2025-07-30
• First posted: 2025-05-16
• Last updated: 2025-11-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Syria