Effect of music for relaxation on pain perception during scaling

Stress has a direct effect on pain perception in dental treatment. Patients who come for treatment with a high level of stress usually experience more pain than those with lower stress level. Relaxation is one of many ways used for control stress and pain. Music be useful for reducing stress during dental treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of music for relaxation (Clair de lune by Debussy) on pain perception during scaling with ultrasonic scaler using Focal Spray insertion (Cavitron®). Methods: Sixty-four gingivitis volunteers, having mild sub-gingival calculus deposits, were included in this experiment. Each subjects was both wearing headphones during scaling of the lower arch and not wearing headphone during scaling of the upper arch. When scaling each half of lower arch, the music was randomly played from a CD player to the headphones of subject while the researcher was listening to the music throughout the experiment. Data were pooled into three groups and then compared among these groups by one way ANOVA. Results: The mean±SD values of VAS of wearing headphone and listening to music, wearing headphone with no music and not wearing headphones groups were 4.06±2.03, 4.94±1.95 and 5.63±2.13, respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between wearing headphone and listening to music and not wearing headphones groups However, there was no significant different between , wearing headphone with no music and not wearing headphones groups. Conclusion: This study suggested that music for relaxation could reduce pain perception during scaling with ultrasonic scaler.