Effects of audiovisual distraction in children with Down syndrome during dental restorations: a randomised clinical trial

Authors

  • S Bagattoni Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Unit of Dental Care for Special Needs Patients and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Bologna, Bologna
  • L Lardani Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, Dental and Oral Surgery Clinic, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Pisa
  • MR Gatto Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Unit of Dental Care for Special Needs Patients and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Bologna, Bologna
  • MR Giuca Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, Dental and Oral Surgery Clinic, Unit of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Pisa, Pisa
  • G Piana Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), Unit of Dental Care for Special Needs Patients and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Bologna, Bologna

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.02.11

Keywords:

Down Syndrome, Distraction, Behaviour

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effect of audiovisual distraction on the dental chairside behaviour of children with Down syndrome (DS) during dental restorations and its influence on the operator stress and the duration of the appointment. METHODS: Study design: This randomised controlled trial included 48 children with DS requiring dental restorations. The study group was treated while wearing video eyeglasses, the control group with conventional behaviour management techniques. The child behaviour was evaluated using the revised Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale (r-FLACC) and the Frankl scale. The operator stress was evaluated using a VAS scale and the duration of the appointment was recorded. CONCLUSION: Audiovisual distraction using video eyeglasses is not useful in managing the dental chairside behaviour of children with DS.