Use of Augmented Reality Glasses and Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Reduce Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients

Summary

This study investigates whether new audiovisual technologies can help reduce anxiety and stress experienced by adult patients during dental procedures. Dental fear and anxiety are common barriers to receiving proper oral care. This randomized controlled trial aims to explore whether the use of specific devices-augmented reality (AR) glasses and noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones-can improve patient comfort and decrease physiological signs of stress during dental treatment.

Participants in this study will undergo a standard dental procedure. In addition, they will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (no audiovisual intervention), a group using ANC headphones that play relaxing music during the procedure, or a group using AR glasses that display relaxing visual scenes along with the same music.

Before the procedure, each participant will complete a psychological questionnaire (STAI) to assess their level of anxiety. During the procedure, physiological stress will be monitored using sensors that track parameters such as skin conductance (GSR) and heart rate. After the treatment, patients will be asked to rate their pain level and describe their experience with or without the audiovisual intervention.

The goal is to better understand the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods in reducing anxiety and stress in adult dental patients. Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and will not affect the quality or availability of dental care. Patients may withdraw at any time without consequences. The study also collects basic demographic information and patient feedback to evaluate potential factors that may influence anxiety levels.

By testing new immersive tools such as AR glasses and ANC headphones in a real clinical setting, this research may contribute to improving patient well-being and enhancing the dental care experience.

Conditions

• Dental Anxiety
• Music Therapy
• Oral Surgical Procedures

Interventions

DEVICE

AR Glasses with Video and Music

Participants wear augmented reality (AR) glasses that display calming nature-themed video content accompanied by relaxing music. The audiovisual content is presented throughout the dental procedure. The glasses are non-obstructive and allow patient-dentist communication. The purpose is to provide immersive distraction to reduce anxiety and physiological stress.

DEVICE

ANC Headphones with Music

Participants wear over-ear noise-cancelling headphones during the dental procedure. The headphones continuously play relaxing music and reduce environmental dental noise via active noise cancellation (ANC). The goal is to reduce anxiety and improve patient comfort during treatment.

DEVICE

Sensory Placebo Devices

Participants in the control group receive a sensory placebo: either protective glasses that resemble AR glasses but do not display video, or over-ear headphones that do not emit sound or noise cancellation. This simulates the intervention experience without actual audiovisual input and helps partially blind participants to their group assignment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medical University of Warsaw

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jan Kowalski, Associate Professor, MD, PhD · Medical University of Warsaw

• Jakub Bereziewicz, MSc · Medical University of Warsaw

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations