The effects of music listening during extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar on the autonomic nervous system and psychological state

Publication date: Available online 25 February 2019

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Author(s): Kaoru Yamashita, Toshiro Kibe, Sachi Ohno, Atsushi Kohjitani, Mitsutaka Sugimura

Abstract

Purpose

Pain, anxiety, and nervousness related to dental procedures can cause acute changes in the autonomic nervous system. Music is widely accepted as a relaxation method during dental treatment; however, its effects during dental treatment are unclear. We explored the effects of music listening during extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar on the autonomic nervous system and the psychological state, and hypothesized that music listening would suppress sympathetic nervous activity and reduce anxiety.

Methods

In this prospective study, 40 patients scheduled for extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar were randomized into two groups: extraction without music (control group) and extraction with music listening (music group). Heart rate variability was recorded during the experiment, and the Modified Dental Anxiety scale (MDAS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were recorded pre-and post-procedure. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and the p-value was set at 0.05.

Results

An increased low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF) was observed in the control group during incision and reflection of flap, bone removal, and separation of the tooth crown; the ratio was significantly decreased in the music group during these time points (p<0.05). Compared to the control group, the music group had a significantly greater decrease in postoperative STAI state anxiety (STAI-S) scores from the preoperative levels (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that music listening while undergoing extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar suppresses the activity of the sympathetic nerves during incision, reflection of flap, bone removal, and separation of the tooth crown and relieves anxiety after treatment. Future studies will focus on studies of the mechanisms involved, and methods to prevent the onset of systemic incidents.

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