Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of virtual reality (VR) on reducing
anxiety and pain in dental patients across all age groups and dental procedures. Methods:
Systematic review with comprehensive search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases
for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing VR interventions with non-VR methods
in dental settings up to April 2024. The selection followed the PRISMA-P guidelines.
Inclusion criteria were based on the PICOS framework, focusing on studies involving
dental patients of any age, utilizing VR during dental treatments, and reporting outcomes
on anxiety and pain. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed independently
by two reviewers using the ROB-2 tool and GRADE methodology. Meta-analyses used a
random-effects model. Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing
several dental treatments. In meta-analysis VR reduced anxiety in children (SMD -1.44,
95% CI -2.24 to -0.63) but not adults (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -1.11 to 0.4). For pain reduction,
VR was effective in both children (SMD -1.11, 95% CI -1.65 to -0.57) and adults (SMD
-0.59, 95% CI -1.187 to -0.001). Heterogeneity was high across studies, and evidence
quality ranged from low to moderate. Conclusions: VR is a promising intervention for
reducing anxiety and pain in children during dental procedures. Its effectiveness
in adults is limited to pain reduction. High heterogeneity and risk of bias suggest
that findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to standardize
VR content and explore its varying impacts across different age groups and dental
procedures.
