Effect of Nature Sounds During Dental Filling on Anxiety in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Nature Sounds: Participants will listen to recorded natural sounds including ocean waves, bird songs, and light rain through wireless headphones for 15 minutes during the dental filling procedure.

White Noise: Participants will listen to white noise through headphones for 15 minutes during the dental filling procedure.

Study summary

Dental anxiety is common among older adults and may lead to delayed or avoided dental treatment, which can negatively affect oral health. Non-pharmacological approaches such as auditory interventions have been suggested as simple methods to reduce anxiety during dental procedures.

The aim of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the effect of listening to nature sounds during dental filling procedures on anxiety, fear, and patient satisfaction in older adults. The study will be conducted at Artvin Oral and Dental Health Center with individuals aged 65 years and older who require dental filling treatment.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a nature sound group, a white noise (placebo) group, and a control group. Individuals in the nature sound group will listen to recorded natural sounds, including ocean waves, bird songs, and light rain, through wireless headphones for 15 minutes during the dental filling procedure. Participants in the placebo group will listen to white noise for the same duration, while the control group will receive routine dental treatment without any auditory intervention.

Anxiety, fear, and patient satisfaction will be measured before and after the dental procedure using standardized assessment tools, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analog scales. The results of this study may provide evidence on whether natural sound exposure can be an effective, simple, and non-invasive method to reduce anxiety and improve patient comfort during dental procedures in older adults.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• State Anxiety Score (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI) — Before the dental filling procedure and immediately after the procedure (approximately 15-30 minutes)
  Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State Anxiety subscale) before and after the dental filling procedure.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition