Effectiveness of Distraction Techniques in Managing Pediatric Dental Patients

Abstract

Aim Children having dental anxiety usually hesitate to seek dental care which can result in poor oral health and may lead to expensive and complex dental treatment in the future. The aim of the present study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of various distraction techniques in managing pediatric dental patients. Materials and methods Eighty healthy children selected for the study were randomly divided into 4 groups with 20 children in each group. Group I was termed as the control group; in group II, the audio distraction technique was used. Group III received audio–video distraction (AVD) by means of a chair-mounted audio–video device and group IV received AVD by means of a ceiling-mounted television. Each child had four dental visits. Child's anxiety in each visit was assessed using four parameters: RMS pictorial scale (RMS-PS), Venham picture test (VPT), pulse rate, and oxygen saturation. Results Ceiling-mounted AVD was found to be the most effective in reducing the anxiety followed by chair-mounted AVD. Audio distraction was found to be the least effective but was better than the control group. Conclusion The AVD technique is simple, passive, and noninvasive means of behavior management and can be used alternatively in managing anxious pediatric dental patients. How to cite this article Khandelwal M, Shetty RM, et al. Effectiveness of Distraction Techniques in Managing Pediatric Dental Patients. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):18–24.

Atendimento odontológico à criança com Síndrome de Down: Revisão da literatura

“…Nota-se que a ansiedade e a resposta emocional de cada criança é o que mais dificulta na hora do atendimento odontológico e consequentemente os pais hesitam em levar os filhos, gerando tratamentos mais caros e complexos no futuro (Khandelwal et al, 2019). Segundo Brandenburg & Marinho-Casanova (2013), os pais têm um papel fundamental na consulta odontológica de seus filhos.…”

“…A emoção e o comportamento de uma criança durante o tratamento odontológico configuram uma ampla preocupação para os odontopediatras e cientistas (Khandelwal et al, 2019). O comportamento de medo e não colaborativo, como choro, gritos e movimentos corporais pode dificultar e atrasar a qualidade do atendimento odontológico.…”

“…O comportamento de medo e não colaborativo, como choro, gritos e movimentos corporais pode dificultar e atrasar a qualidade do atendimento odontológico. Se esse problema não for solucionado adequadamente, uma resposta negativa persistente é possível de acontecer, sendo um obstáculo para o atendimento odontológico de costume (Khandelwal et al, 2019). Dito isso, os cirurgiões dentistas, em especial os odontopediatras e sua equipe, devem estar aptos a realizarem técnicas de manejo comportamental, preparados para possíveis situações que gerem ansiedade, medo ou demais comportamentos negativos apresentados por esses pacientes (Albuquerque et al, 2010).…”