The Use of Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety in Surgical Procedures of the Oral Cavity: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) is considered a nonpharmacological intervention to manage pain and anxiety for different procedures. We aimed to review the literature about the role of VR in reducing pain and anxiety in surgical procedures performed in the oral cavity.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using Medline and Embase with no restrictions on language or publication date. Our inclusion criteria were articles related to the use of VR to manage perioperative pain and anxiety on procedures in the oral cavity.

Results: Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The number of publications increased significantly from 2 studies between 2000-2010 to 25 between 2011 and 2021. Of the 27 included studies, 22 (81.4%) studied patients undergoing dental procedures, and 5 (18.5%) in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). There was heterogeneity in the VR software used in the different studies. Thirteen studies (41.9%) evaluated self or observational assessments of pain and anxiety. Pain alone was evaluated in 9 studies (29%) and anxiety alone in 8 studies (25.8%). Also, 6 studies (19.3%) evaluated physiological parameters such as heart rate and respiratory rate as objective measures of pain and anxiety. In oral surgery studies, VR was effective at reducing acute pain, fear, and anxiety levels.

Conclusions: There is a paucity of research in OMS compared to dentistry. Given that this specialty involves highly stimulating and anxiety-provoking procedures, OMS could benefit from VR intervention for improved patient care.