Effects of Dental Operating Microscope on Anxiety, Behaviour, and Treatment duration among Children in the 5-7 Year Age Group undergoing dental restorative procedures: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Fear of the unknown causes anxiety in paediatric patients. The use of tell-show-do, along with audiovisual distraction, promotes positive behaviour and reduces anxiety. The use of a Dental Operating Microscope (DOM) as a visual distraction aid provides better cooperation in paediatric patients. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a DOM on anxiety, behaviour, and treatment time during a restorative procedure in paediatric dental patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a parallel-arm, randomised clinical trial conducted at IGIDS, Puducherry, India, in 2022, over a period of four months. Healthy five to sevenyear-old children on their first dental visit were selected (n=90) and divided into two groups using simple randomisation. Group A: Restoration of teeth without a DOM, and group B: Restoration of teeth using a DOM. Anxiety and behaviour were measured as soon as the child entered the operatory (T1), after tell-show-do for the procedure (T2), after cavity preparation (T3), and after completion of the restoration (T4). Caries removal efficacy and treatment duration were also assessed. The data obtained were statistically analysed using the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test (p<0.05). Results: Out of the 90 children who participated in the study, 47 (52%) were girls, and 43 (47%) were boys. There was a decrease in anxiety and improved patient behaviour during cavity preparation (T3) and after completion of restoration (T4) in group B (p<0.001). The operator also reported higher visual (71.10%) and tactile (95.60%) scores in caries removal, with a shorter treatment duration in groups where DOM was used (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of DOM reduced anxiety levels and improved the compliance of children during dental procedures. Operator ergonomics and the quality of treatment could be enhanced by recommending DOM in regular paediatric dental practice.