VR Effects on Cortisol and Vital Signs in Dental Anxiety

Silkü Oflioğlu A., Erten Can S. H.

FDI World Dental Congress, Praha, Çek Cumhuriyeti, 4 - 07 Eylül 2026, ss.34-35, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Praha
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Çek Cumhuriyeti
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.34-35
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim: To evaluate whether a virtual reality (VR) application causes changes in salivary cortisol levels and stress-related vital signs in adults with dental anxiety during restorative dental treatment.

Materials and Methods: A total of 250 patients with dental treatment anxiety were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=125) and control (n=125) group. Salivary cortisol levels and physiological symptoms (blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation) were recorded before and after treatment. The experimental group was exposed to VR with visual-auditory natural stimuli during treatment, while the control group underwent standard treatment. Data were analysed using matched tests and ANCOVA (p<0.05).

Results: Post-treatment salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly in the VR group (0.498→0.283 µg/dL) and increased in the control group (0.270→0.380 µg/dL) (p<0.05). The VR group showed significant decreases in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body temperature, while oxygen saturation increased; the control group showed stress-related increases in vital parameters (p<0.05). Statistical evaluation (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences between groups for all variables (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The virtual reality application significantly reduced physiological stress markers during restorative dental treatment; it was concluded that VR technologies could be an effective, non-pharmacological aid in managing dental anxiety in clinical practice.

Keywords: Dental Anxiety, Virtual Reality, Cortisol, MDAS, Vital Signs, Stress