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This systematic review and meta-analysis compared behavioral therapy and inhalational sedation for alleviation of dental anxiety in patients attending dental appointments.
Behavioral therapy is more effective for tackling dental anxiety, particularly for children, making it the preferred choice over inhalational sedation.
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared behavioral therapy and inhalational sedation for alleviation of dental anxiety in patients attending dental appointments.
Databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar were extensively explored. Cohort studies, case-control studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cross-sectional studies that examined the effects of behavioral therapy versus inhalational sedation on dental anxiety in adults and children were among the eligible studies. The change in dental anxiety scores, measured via validated tools, was the key outcome.
The meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was carried out using Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.3, employing a random effects model for comparison between the treatments. Study quality was examined with the Risk of Bias and Newcastle-Ottawa tools. Heterogeneity was checked using I² statistics, and the certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE software.
According to data from 940 participants, behavioral therapy markedly reduced dental anxiety prior to treatment when compared to inhalational sedation (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.29 to -0.45). This effect was especially pronounced in children (SMD: -0.64; 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.11). The evidence was rated as high for RCTs and moderate for observational studies.
Behavioral therapy proved more useful than inhalational sedation for dental anxiety management, especially in children.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
Effectiveness of behavioural therapy and inhalational sedation in reducing dental anxiety among patients attending dental clinics - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Greeshma Unnikrishnan et al.
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