Music Therapy for Dental Anxiety

This trial explores how music can ease dental anxiety in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will either experience live music therapy or listen to recorded music during their dental procedures. The researchers aim to determine if music can improve cooperation, reduce distress, and help complete dental treatments without sedation. Suitable candidates include English-speaking adults with autism or ADHD who find dental visits challenging. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches to managing dental anxiety.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that music therapy, which includes both live and recorded music, is generally well-received by participants. Although specific studies on the safety of these music therapy methods are lacking, it is widely used to help manage anxiety and stress. Music therapy is considered safe because it doesn't involve medication or physical procedures.

Researchers are excited about using music therapy for dental anxiety because it offers a non-pharmacological approach to easing patient stress. Unlike traditional options that may involve sedatives or anti-anxiety medications, live music therapy uses techniques like guided breathing synchronized with music and personalized musical interactions to create a calming experience during dental procedures. Recorded music therapy allows patients to choose their favorite tunes, potentially increasing comfort by providing a familiar and enjoyable backdrop. This innovative approach could help reduce dental anxiety without the side effects associated with medication, making dental visits more pleasant for patients.

This trial will compare the effects of live music therapy and recorded music on dental anxiety. Studies have shown that music therapy effectively reduces anxiety about dental visits. Participants in the live music therapy arm will receive live music therapy, which can greatly lower stress, improve patient cooperation, and reduce physical reactions like increased heart rate and blood pressure. Meanwhile, those in the recorded music arm will listen to prerecorded music, which research indicates can significantly decrease anxiety during dental procedures. Both live and recorded music have been found to ease anxiety and enhance the dental experience. Music often helps patients feel more relaxed and comfortable, potentially reducing the need for sedation.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰