An Attempt to Use Virtual Reality as a Tool to Reduce Patient Anxiety During Dental Treatment

Background/Objectives: Dental fear and anxiety are prevalent issues in both children and adult patients, often leading to avoidance of dental care and deterioration in overall health. While virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly studied as a distraction tool in pediatric dentistry, its effectiveness among adults remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the impact of VR distraction on reducing anxiety and physiological stress indicators in adult dental patients. Methods: The study was conducted in a private dental office in Dobrodzień, Poland, involving 90 adult dental patients divided into three groups: two experimental (VR1 and VR2) and one control (C), with 30 patients each. Patients in the VR1 group experienced VR distraction during the first visit, and the second visit was conventional; the VR2 group experienced this in reverse; and the control group underwent traditional treatment in both visits. Physiological parameters (heart rate, saturation, and stress) and psychological anxiety levels (MDAS and STAI-X1) were measured at three time points during each visit. Results: Significant reductions in heart rate and stress levels were observed after VR exposure compared to the control group. VR also demonstrated a significant effect in decreasing anxiety levels (based on STAI-X1) during the visit with VR distraction. No significant changes were found in the saturation levels across the groups. Conclusions: The use of VR as a distraction tool during dental procedures effectively reduces physiological stress and anxiety in adult patients, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing dental anxiety. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits and patient satisfaction with VR-based interventions in dental care.