Assessing an active distracting technique during primary mandibular molar pulpotomy (randomized controlled trial)

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different distraction techniques (Audio Video Distraction/Video Game Distraction) in the management of anxious pediatric patients during dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and five children were randomly divided into three groups; Group A: active distraction using video games on a tablet device and wireless joystick (VG). Group B: passive distraction using video on tablet, and wireless headphones (AV). Group C (Control group): basic behavior guidance technique Tell Show Do was used (C). The children were selected from the department of pediatric dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, who required pulpotomy in primary mandibular molars. All children were assessed by: Simplified Wong‐Baker FACES for pain scale (self‐report), and “HOUPT” Behavior Rating Scale for Overall Behavior (non‐self‐report), at the end of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and five children completed the study (57 boys and 48 girls) aged between 6 and 10 years (mean age of 7.4 years). The active distraction (VG) group was superior to the passive distraction (AV) group and the control group (C) on the pain scale with statistically significant differences as appeared in Simplified Wong‐Baker Scale (p = .000), The active distraction (VG) group was superior to the control group (C) in overall behavior as appeared in HOUPT scale (p = .041), but it was no statistically significant differences between (VG) group and (AV) group in overall behavior (p = .605). With the use of Bluetooth technology and wireless devices, the workspace was comfortable for the dentist and did not interfere with the movement of his hands. CONCLUSION: Positive distraction with video games by wireless joystick displayed on the portable tablet on the dental chair was the best technique for reducing dental anxiety and reported pain in school children (6‐10 years) and was better than negative distraction by video cartoons on the tablet device.